FIFA WC: Iran beat Mali 2-0 in final pre-tournament friendly; to leave for Tijuana
Antalya, June 5
Iran will head into their FIFA World Cup base at Tijuana after they defeated Mali 2-0 in a friendly on Thursday, with some uncertainty still around their participation in the tournament, reported Reuters.
Goals from midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi and right back Ramin Rezaeian gave Iraq their third win in four friendlies this year.
These friendlies against Iran are the only competitive football played by Iran-based players since their domestic football was suspended due to tensions with the US and Israel, which resulted in air strikes and a massive escalation of the situation on a global level.
The squad have received their visas from Mexico, as confirmed by officials this week, and will leave Turkiye this Saturday for their tournament base in the border city of Tijuana. Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to hosting the side after being told that US authorities did not want the team to stay at Arizona, their original base, from June 11 to July 19, the entire duration of the tournament.
Despite being among the earliest teams to secure qualification for the World Cup, Iran's participation has faced uncertainty following the West Asia conflict.
The Iranian squad has held two training camps in Antalya since the conflict began. In their earlier friendlies, they suffered a defeat to Nigeria but registered victories over Costa Rica and Gambia.
Iran's group-stage matches are scheduled to take place in the United States. The Asian side will face New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 15, Belgium on June 21 at the same venue, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
— ANI
Reader Comments
🙏 With everything going on in West Asia, it's good that Iran's players get to play at the World Cup. Football should unite people. Happy for them that they got Mexican visas sorted. Hoping for some exciting matches!
Interesting that Mexico agreed to host them after the US said no to Arizona. It shows how politics seeps into everything, even sports. Anyway, Iran has always been a tricky side—organized defense. Let's see if they can spring a surprise against Belgium or Egypt.
Iran's domestic league being suspended due to tensions is truly sad. These friendlies help them stay match fit, but it's not the same as regular competition. Hope they give a good account of themselves. Also, a minor correction: the article says "Iran is playing", not Iraq. Easy mix-up! 😅
It's a shame that a football team has to deal with visa politics and base locations because of conflicts they didn't start. The players just want to play. Good luck to Iran—I'll be cheering for them against New Zealand! 🇮🇷⚽
To be honest, I feel Iran's preparation has been disrupted too much. Playing friendlies is one thing, but training camps in Turkey and a last-minute base change to Tijuana? That's not ideal. They need all the stability they can get. Still, wins are wins!
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