Iran trains in Turkey amid World Cup buildup and geopolitical tensions

Iran’s men’s soccer team has been training in southern Turkey as it prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, with the squad holding tightly controlled sessions amid heightened political tensions stemming from the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran. The team’s preparation includes friendly matches in Turkey as they get ready for the tournament, with media access limited and attention on their build‑up to the competition