Iran's World Cup squad struggles with readiness after seven-week training suspension.

Amid the escalating tensions between the United States and Israel, Iran's national football team faces a critical race against time to prepare for the World Cup. The country's domestic Persian Gulf Pro League has remained suspended since March, leaving the majority of the squad without match action for seven weeks.

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei has acknowledged the severity of the situation, noting that his coaching and fitness staff must work intensively to bridge the gap at their training camp in Türkiye. Of the 30 players named for the squad, 22 represent Iranian clubs and have been confined to a national team base in Tehran since friendly matches against Costa Rica and Nigeria in Antalya earlier this month.

Speaking to the Iranian Football Federation's magazine before departing for Türkiye on Monday, Ghalenoei admitted he is not entirely satisfied with the current readiness of his men. "Naturally, I am not fully satisfied with the players' level of readiness," he stated. However, he offered a cautious outlook on recovery, suggesting that a two-and-a-half to three-week camp could recoup 20 to 25 percent of the lost conditioning.

The coach emphasized the necessity of adapting to the modern game, noting that while the age profile of his domestic-based players is generally sound, specific areas require improvement. "We must continue our work in the Turkiye camp with determination and optimism," Ghalenoei added, acknowledging the distractions surrounding the regional conflict but insisting the camp remains a crucial stage of preparation.

Looking ahead, Iran is scheduled to face The Gambia in a friendly on May 29. This match serves as a final gauge before Ghalenoei submits his definitive 26-man roster by the FIFA deadline on June 1. The federation is also hoping to organize an additional friendly in Türkiye, while simultaneously planning a closed-door match against Puerto Rico at their US base camp in Arizona, pending entry clearance issues.

Ghalenoei expressed hope that the team will achieve suitable physical conditions within the first four or five days prior to their opening World Cup match. The tournament campaign will see Iran take on New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, followed by a group fixture against Egypt in Seattle five days later.