WANA (Apr 28) – Iran’s national football team head coach says it is not yet clear which teams this team will face before the 2026 World Cup.

 

Iran’s national football team head coach, Amir Ghalenoei, regarding the latest status of the Iranian national football team’s friendly matches before the 2026 World Cup, stated:

 

“When we learned that the league would not be held, we implemented the national team’s training program. We are in Tehran until May 6 and will play two internal matches, and after a few days of rest, we will go to Turkey. If no changes occur, this is our current plan. After that, if possible, we will be dispatched to the United States.”

 

In response to the question of which teams the national team will face in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, he also said, “Allow me not to bring up any team’s name. Yesterday I mentioned the names of two teams, and then when I arrived at the hotel, I realized the matches had been canceled.”

 

During these days, the names of Panama, Puerto Rico, Macedonia, and Angola have been mentioned as Iran’s preparatory rivals on the path to World Cup preparation. So far, the matches with Puerto Rico and Panama have been canceled, but currently, the plan is to hold the matches with Macedonia and Angola.

 

US Envoy Comments on Iran’s Participation

Parallel to the team’s preparations, Paolo Zampolli, a special envoy for global cooperation under the Trump administration, raised questions regarding Iran’s presence at the tournament and the possibility of Italy taking a spot.

 

“I tell you that Italy’s chance of appearing in the World Cup [instead of Iran] is higher than 50%,” Zampolli claimed, adding that he intends to discuss the matter with FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the Miami Formula 1 Grand Prix.

 

He noted that the final decision rests with Infantino and the U.S. President, citing difficult visa processes as a significant hurdle.

 

Zampolli further commented on security and entry policies, stating, “We do not want individuals coming to the U.S. who could cause harm. While Iranian players are welcome, we cannot grant entry to those who do not align with our national interests, as per the Secretary of State’s remarks.”