Iran national football team to play behind‑closed‑doors friendly in Turkey ahead of 2026 World Cup

Iran's national football team will face Mali in a behind‑closed‑doors friendly at the Mardan Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkey, on May 29, 2026. The match is the final warm‑up before the team moves to its tournament base in Tijuana, Mexico, from where it will commute across the border for its Group G games in Los Angeles and Seattle.

The friendly follows a mixed preparation campaign that included a loss to Nigeria and wins over Costa Rica, the Gambia and the Gambia. Iran’s squad will be without striker Sardar Azmoun, and the game will not admit media or spectators, with live updates expected only via digital platforms. Logistic and political challenges have arisen after U.S. and Israeli air strikes on Iran and visa delays, prompting the move of the World Cup base from Tucson, Arizona, to Mexico. U.S. officials have barred IRGC‑linked personnel from accompanying the team, and Iran’s federation president was denied entry to Canada for a FIFA congress.

Iran is slated to open its World Cup campaign against New Zealand on June 15, followed by matches versus Belgium and Egypt.