Iran Football Team Training in Turkey Amid Political Storm and Azmoun Expulsion

Iran’s men’s national football team held a training session in Belek, Turkey, as they prepare for two pre-World Cup friendlies against Nigeria and Costa Rica. The squad’s preparation comes amid heightened political attention related to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict involving Iran.

The training in the Mediterranean resort town of Belek was conducted with tightly restricted media access. Team officials said the measure was aimed at minimizing distractions ahead of matches considered critical to Iran’s World Cup preparations. No interviews were granted to players or coaches during the session.

Iran’s Football Federation is reportedly in discussions with FIFA to move the team’s World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing concerns over player safety. The squad will face Nigeria on Friday and Costa Rica on Tuesday, with both friendlies relocated from Jordan following the outbreak of hostilities.

Forward Mehdi Taremi participated in the session and has recently drawn attention after swapping shirts with an Israeli opponent while playing for Olympiacos in Greece. Striker Sardar Azmoun, who has scored 57 goals in 91 appearances, was omitted from the squad after posting an image of a meeting with Dubai ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Iranian media reported that Azmoun had been expelled from the national team over a perceived act of disloyalty.

The players appeared relaxed on the field, with occasional light moments among staff and teammates during the sunny training session. A team representative emphasized that the squad’s focus remains solely on their competitive programme ahead of the World Cup.

Iran will continue their preparation in Belek before departing for their scheduled matches, aiming to finalize tactical plans and squad selections under the close supervision of the coaching staff.