The Iranian Football Federation announced that the national team will face Mali in a closed-door friendly match in Turkey as part of its final preparations before traveling to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The federation explained that the decision was made for technical reasons related to the coaching staff’s preparations and tactical planning.

Iran is set to compete in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, while U.S. authorities continue monitoring procedures related to the entry of the Iranian delegation into the United States.