Iran is preparing for the World Cup in unusual circumstances, with the squad training in Turkey while the country is affected by ongoing conflict involving the United States, the tournament’s primary host nation.

Two members of the national team spoke to The Associated Press during a training camp held in Antalya, a coastal resort area in Turkey. Media access to the team’s preparations has been limited, and players have rarely spoken with international journalists.

Several logistical changes have also affected their preparation period. The squad originally planned to train in Tucson, Arizona, but later relocated its base to Tijuana on the Mexican border due to difficulties in processing travel documents.

Players also made trips to Ankara to apply for visas at the US embassy, while Mexico eventually issued the necessary permits, allowing the team to continue their preparations and upcoming travel plans.

Ezatolahi on mental pressure and expectations

Midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi, 29, who is preparing for his third World Cup appearance, said the situation has made preparation difficult while acknowledging that his experience may help him handle the pressure.

He explained, “Well, to be honest, it’s not easy,” and added, “That’s going to be my third World Cup.” So for me and some of the other players, it might be easier to manage these kinds of things,” noting that experience can ease some of the burden.

However, he stressed that external circumstances are still affecting the squad, saying, “But at the end… it is going to be difficult for us because at the same time, we are following the news in our country and the political things, of course, can affect the mind of the players and the people.”

Ezatolahi also pointed to the added expectation from supporters, especially with matches taking place near Los Angeles, where a large Iranian community resides, saying the team hopes to make fans proud despite the pressure.

Ghorbani’s debut World Cup perspective

Mohammad Ghorbani, 24, who is preparing for his first World Cup, described the current situation as challenging but emphasized the need to focus on football responsibilities.

“It’s true that we are facing special circumstances right now, but we are football players, and we have to play, practice, and prepare ourselves for the competitions we have ahead,” he said in Farsi during the interview.

He also referenced difficulties faced by people back home during the conflict, adding that the squad intends to represent their country and aim for positive results that could bring joy to supporters.

Ghorbani said the team is motivated by unity and collective purpose, highlighting that their goal is to deliver happiness to fans through their performances on the global stage.

Travel arrangements, matches and added pressure

Iran’s squad is set to travel to Mexico before the tournament begins after completing their training period in Turkey. They are expected to continue preparations before entering the United States shortly before their opening match.

The team does not need to arrive in the US until 14 June, the day before their first group game against New Zealand, which will be played at the stadium used by the Los Angeles Rams in Inglewood.

Their schedule also includes a second match in Inglewood against Belgium on 21 June, followed by their final Group G fixture in Seattle against Egypt on 26 June.

Ezatolahi noted that playing in Los Angeles, where many members of the Iranian diaspora live, could create a highly charged atmosphere, increasing expectations on the squad while also providing motivation to perform well.

FIFA has altered its stadium rules shortly before the start of the tournament, banning fans from bringing in bottles and other similar containers. The decision comes just days before the opening match on 11 June.

The updated policy prohibits reusable bottles, cups, jars, and cans, citing safety concerns. Officials say the change is intended to reduce the risk of objects being thrown inside venues and used as missiles.

This marks a reversal from earlier guidance, which had indicated that empty transparent plastic bottles of up to one litre would be permitted inside stadiums.

Safety rationale and official response

The governing body has said the updated restrictions are part of its broader commitment to safety for everyone attending matches, including players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff.

FIFA stated that drinks will still be available for purchase inside stadiums and added that pricing for water will remain in line with standard venue rates. It also said it is working with host cities and local authorities to provide cooling and hydration support around stadium areas.

These measures include misting stations, shaded spaces, hydration points, and cooling tents positioned outside stadium entrances and surrounding zones.

Health experts’ concerns over overheating

Heat specialists have warned that the decision could increase health risks for spectators, particularly in extreme temperatures expected across many host venues. One expert argued that removing easy access to water could raise the likelihood of heat-related medical incidents.

Concerns have also been raised about existing heat safety plans, which some scientists have previously described as insufficient. Experts say fans may already arrive at stadiums dehydrated after travelling in hot and humid conditions.

A professor of heat and health highlighted that spectators represent a wide range of vulnerability levels, including children, older adults, and people with medical conditions, making them more at risk than elite athletes.

Supporter reactions and wider issues

Supporter groups have criticised the late change in policy, describing it as unexpected after earlier assurances that fans would be allowed to bring bottles and access water freely inside stadiums.

Some fan organisations have questioned whether the move reflects commercial motivations, especially alongside concerns about high ticket prices and transport costs.

Critics have also pointed to wider climate and environmental concerns around the tournament, arguing that the combination of extreme heat risks and reduced hydration access raises questions about organisers’ responsibility for fan welfare.