ANTALYA, TURKEY – The national football team of Iran continued its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 3–1 friendly victory over Gambia, as the squad maintains its training camp in Turkey ahead of the tournament.
The match, played as part of Iran’s pre-tournament schedule, offered the team an opportunity to assess squad fitness and tactical readiness following weeks of disrupted preparation linked to travel and logistical uncertainties.
Iran opened the scoring early in the encounter and maintained control for large spells of the match, with its attacking unit showing sharp coordination despite limited international match exposure in recent months.
Gambia managed to pull a goal back during the match, but Iran restored its advantage with two additional goals to seal a comfortable 3–1 win and end the friendly on a positive note.
The result is seen as an encouraging step for Iran’s coaching staff as they continue final evaluations ahead of squad selection for the global tournament.
However, the team’s preparations remain overshadowed by ongoing concerns regarding entry documentation and visa approvals for travel to the United States, where Iran is scheduled to play its group-stage matches.
According to official reports, Iranian football authorities are still seeking confirmation on multiple-entry visa arrangements for players and staff, as the squad will need to travel in and out of the United States during the competition.
The situation has led to continued discussions with tournament organizers and football governing bodies to ensure compliance with logistical requirements before the start of the World Cup.
Iran has already relocated its training base to Turkey to maintain proximity to Europe and reduce travel complications while awaiting full clearance for North American entry procedures.
Football analysts note that the uncertainty has placed additional pressure on the squad’s preparation cycle, limiting the ability to schedule high-profile international friendlies in recent months.
Despite these challenges, team officials remain optimistic that all administrative issues will be resolved before the tournament kicks off, allowing players to focus fully on competitive performance.
The Iranian squad is expected to finalize its World Cup roster in the coming days after additional training sessions and fitness assessments in camp.
Coaching staff have emphasized the importance of maintaining focus amid off-field distractions, highlighting the need for consistency and discipline heading into the competition.
The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with Iran aiming to advance beyond the group stage in a highly competitive pool.
As preparations continue, attention remains divided between on-field readiness and off-field administrative clearance, both of which are crucial to Iran’s participation in the tournament.
