New York New Jersey Stadium (temporarily renamed from MetLife stadium) is seen from the inside ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in East Rutherford, New Jersey on May 7, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)
Iran began their World Cup preparations with a 3-1 friendly victory against Gambia in Turkey on Friday.
The team’s players are still waiting for their visas to enter the United States, where they will play their three World Cup group stage matches.
Iran have moved their base to Mexico due to the tensions between them and the United States over the war in the Middle East.
They trailed 1-0 at half-time to Gambia in Antalya before launching a second half comeback, with three goals in 20 minutes, including one by Olympiacos forward Mehdi Taremi.
Iran will play another friendly against Mali in Antalya next Thursday and begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand on June 16 in Los Angeles.
They will play further group matches against Belgium, also in LA, and Egypt in Seattle.
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