Iran’s national football team departed for Antalya, Turkey on Monday to play a final warm-up match and complete visa applications ahead of their journey to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, according to Iranian media.

The squad, made up of 22 domestic-based players and their coaching staff, is preparing to compete despite ongoing hostilities between Washington and Tehran. The United States, alongside Israel, launched large-scale attacks against Iran on February 28, though a ceasefire has paused fighting in recent weeks. Peace talks remain stalled, and renewed drone strikes in the Gulf combined with threats from President Donald Trump have heightened fears of fresh conflict.

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei confirmed that visa applications would be processed in Turkey. The team has already scheduled a friendly against The Gambia on May 29 and hopes to secure a second match while in Antalya.

Iran qualified for the World Cup in March 2025, but since then has faced two rounds of U.S. military strikes. Despite tensions, U.S. officials and FIFA have insisted that Iran will be welcomed at the tournament. Trump himself remarked in April, “I think let ’em play.”

Concerns remain over members of Iran’s delegation with ties to the Revolutionary Guards, which both Washington and Ottawa classify as a terrorist organization. Last month, Iranian officials canceled their attendance at the FIFA Congress in Canada after claiming mistreatment by immigration officers.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom met with Iranian officials in Turkey over the weekend, describing the talks as constructive. Once visas are secured, Iran plans to establish its base camp in Tucson, Arizona.