Iran's national football team is facing significant challenges as it prepares for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico in June and July. Reports suggest that the team may not play any friendly matches leading up to the tournament, with the only potential friendly being a tournament in Jordan against teams like Jordan, Nigeria, and Costa Rica. This lack of preparation could severely impact their performance in a high-stakes international competition.

The Iranian Football Federation has not confirmed or denied these reports, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the team’s preparations. Many observers note that potential opponents are reluctant to schedule matches against Iran due to the country's ongoing international controversies and the harsh criticisms it has faced following recent protests within its borders. This creates a challenging environment for the team, as friendly matches are crucial for building team cohesion and strategy before a world tournament.

Furthermore, since the protests that erupted in late December and January, Iranian domestic league matches have been held without spectators, further affecting the morale and support structure of the national team. With little time left before the World Cup, the Iranian team’s inability to secure meaningful preparatory matches could have significant ramifications for their competitiveness at the global stage.