Iran plays against Mali in the second practice match before the World Cup in Turkey

Iran will play a friendly against Mali after the match against Gambia in Turkey, where it is holding its training camp ahead of the World Cup, the federation said.

“The Iranian national football team will face Mali on June 4 in the second friendly match of the Antalya training camp in Turkey,” the federation said in a statement released by the Iranian Football Association. State news agency IRNA on Thursday.

The Iranian football team arrived in Turkey on Monday for its training camp and to complete visa applications ahead of the World Cup.

According to the federation, the team will play a friendly match against Gambia on May 29.

Both of Iran’s opponents are ranked well below them in the FIFA rankings. Iran ranks 21st, Mali 52nd and Gambia 116th.

READ: DR Congo forced to change 2026 World Cup preparations due to Ebola outbreak

Once the visas are granted, the Iranian team will stay in Tucson, Arizona during the World Cup.

Iran will participate in the tournament despite the war with the US and Israel that started on February 28, but a ceasefire has halted hostilities since April 8.

Iran has been drawn into Group G and will start its campaign against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles.

The country will then play Belgium in the same city and complete its group matches against Egypt in Seattle.

Iran is attempting to reach the knockout stages for the first time after falling short in the World Cup finals in their previous six appearances.

Published on May 21, 2026