Iran Football Team Trains in Turkiye Amid US-Israel War

Iran’s men’s national 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, and officials said the squad was focused on its competitive programme.

The friendlies were moved from Jordan to Turkiye after the outbreak of the US-Israel war, and the federation is discussing relocating World Cup matches to Mexico over safety concerns. Forward Mehdi Taremi was present, while striker Sardar Azmoun was omitted after an Instagram post meeting Dubai’s ruler, leading to his expulsion for perceived disloyalty.