Sports
Iran National Team Accelerates Preparations for 2026 World Cup
Iran's national football team is ramping up preparations for the 2026 World Cup, including closed training sessions, a new kit launch, and friendlies in Turkey before heading to the US. The team's participation was earlier in doubt due to geopolitical tensions, but FIFA and US officials have since confirmed Iran's involvement. Iran will play New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Group G, though the squad has been hit by the injury of key winger Ali Gholizadeh.