WANA (Apr 30) – The head coach of Iran’s national football team has acknowledged a noticeable gap between his players’ physical readiness and global standards, while emphasizing an intensive plan to address these shortcomings ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

 

Amir Ghalenoei said after an intrasquad match that the training camp began under difficult conditions, with the domestic league on pause and players lacking optimal fitness. According to him, statistical assessments confirm that the team falls short of international benchmarks in several physical indicators.

 

He explained that training sessions have been designed to maintain high intensity, enabling players to reach peak condition during the upcoming camp in Turkey. Ghalenoei also expressed optimism that the addition of foreign-based players in the coming weeks will improve both training quality and team cohesion.

 

The team is scheduled to travel to Turkey on May 12 for a training camp lasting around three weeks. If arrangements are finalized, Iran will also play a friendly match in the United States and is expected to arrive there roughly two weeks before the start of the tournament.

 

The broader context of a 40-day war that began in 28 February 2026 and ended countinued with a temporary ceasefire has significantly disrupted preparations. The conflict affected scheduling, limited opportunities to organize friendly matches, and reduced the federation’s ability to secure strong opponents.

Iran national football team takes the field in tribute to Minab schoolchildren killed in airstrikes. Social media / WANA News Agency

Iran national football team takes the field in tribute to Minab schoolchildren killed in airstrikes. Social media / WANA News Agency

Mohammadrahman Salari, a senior official involved with the national team, emphasized that preparations continued despite these conditions. He noted that even during wartime, efforts were made to avoid interruptions. Salari added that the decision regarding participation in the World Cup rests with the football federation and is guided by national interests.

 

International challenges have further complicated the situation. Following the draw, which placed Iran in a group with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, attempts to arrange friendlies against teams such as Spain national team and Portugal did not materialize. In addition, a planned four-nation tournament in Jordan featuring Nigeria and Costa Rica was canceled, forcing a revision of preparation plans.

 

At a higher level, reports also pointed to efforts in the United States to replace Iran with the Italy national team in the World Cup—raising concerns among officials. However, FIFA’s president ultimately confirmed Iran’s participation, putting an end to the speculation.

 

With just 43 days remaining until the tournament, Iran now enters the final phase of preparation facing not only technical challenges but also a complex set of external pressures—factors that could shape the team’s performance in its seventh World Cup appearance.