Iran's National Team Trains in Turkey Amid US-Israel War

Iran’s men’s football team has been holding training sessions in Belek, a resort area near Antalya, as they prepare for two friendlies against Nigeria and Costa Rica before the World Cup. Media access was tightly restricted, with officials citing the need to avoid distractions amid the heightened scrutiny caused by the US‑Israel war on Iran.

The federation is in talks with FIFA to relocate its World Cup matches to Mexico from the United States over safety concerns. The squad, which includes forward Mehdi Taremi, was seen relaxed during the session, while striker Sardar Azmoun was left out of the squad after an Instagram post with Dubai’s ruler was deemed disloyal by authorities.