Tehran, May 19: Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has expressed concern over his team’s preparedness for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, admitting that several players are lacking match fitness after an extended suspension of domestic football earlier this year.
The interruption to the Iranian football calendar came amid military tensions in the region, forcing the Persian Gulf Pro League to halt operations since late February. With the majority of Iran’s national team players attached to domestic clubs, the prolonged absence of competitive matches has affected the squad’s build-up to the global tournament.
Iran have largely remained in training camps in Tehran since March and are now set to travel to Turkey for a crucial preparatory camp ahead of the World Cup. Ghalenoei is hopeful that the intensive camp, along with a series of friendly matches, will help improve the players’ physical condition before their opening group-stage fixture next month.
The Iranian coach recently announced a 30-member preliminary squad, with 22 players drawn from clubs within the country. (Agencies)
