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UEFA Champions League semifinal: Nobody better than PSG, says Luis Enrique ahead of Bayern clash Holder Paris St ​Germain takes on Bayern Munich in a Champions League semifinal clash of two of ‌the top attacking teams in Europe, and while Luis Enrique says ​the German club is the most consistent, no team is better ⁠than his side.Three of the last four teams, PSG, Bayern and Arsenal, are top of their domestic leagues and the German side has clinched the Bundesliga, losing one game, having ‌also lost once in Europe.While PSG and Atletico Madrid had to come through the playoffs, Arsenal and Bayern were the top two in ‌the league phase. In the last 16 and quarterfinals, PSG netted 12 ‌goals ⁠and Bayern 16.“It’s not just about attacking statistics, but if you ⁠look at the defensive ones too, these are the best teams in Europe,” Luis Enrique told reporters ahead of Tuesday’s first leg at home.“Arsenal have done an incredible job this season also, in ​terms of consistency. Bayern are a ‌bit ahead of us because they have only lost two games, but if we speak about what we have shown as a team, we’re right up there.“And no team is better than us. I said this after we ‌didn’t finish in the top eight in the league phase that I ​didn’t see any teams better than us.”Last season, PSG also finished outside the top eight in the league stage before going on ⁠to lift the trophy, and in Ligue 1, having battled with Lens for long periods, it is six points clear.“Every coach wants to head into the run-in in ‌the best possible conditions,” the PSG manager said.“It’s the magic of the Champions League which gives special energy to the players, everyone wants to be there and to make the most of this time.”NO NEGOTIATINGEnrique is well aware of the attacking threat posed by Bayern, including wingers Luis Diaz and Michael Olise, but that will not change the way his side approach the tie.“We won the ‌Champions League last season with (full backs) Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes doing what they do,” he ​said.“Of course they have to defend as well, but we know that they have to attack more than they defend if we ⁠want to win.“We know how difficult it will be and we have to know ⁠how to defend well.”The French club had long set its sights on winning the Champions League, and having finally realised that dream last season, ‌there is no chance of a less ambitious PSG this time.“The first run was a relief, now it’s a different source of motivation because last ​year was great,” Enrique said. “We made history. And now, we’re hungry for more.”Published on Apr 27, 2026 #UEFA #Champions #League #semifinal #PSG #Luis #Enrique #ahead #Bayern #clash

UEFA Champions League semifinal: Nobody better than PSG, says Luis Enrique ahead of Bayern clash

Holder Paris St ​Germain takes on Bayern Munich in a Champions League semifinal clash of two of ‌the top attacking teams in Europe, and while Luis Enrique says ​the German club is the most consistent, no team is better ⁠than his side.

Three of the last four teams, PSG, Bayern and Arsenal, are top of their domestic leagues and the German side has clinched the Bundesliga, losing one game, having ‌also lost once in Europe.

While PSG and Atletico Madrid had to come through the playoffs, Arsenal and Bayern were the top two in ‌the league phase. In the last 16 and quarterfinals, PSG netted 12 ‌goals ⁠and Bayern 16.

“It’s not just about attacking statistics, but if you ⁠look at the defensive ones too, these are the best teams in Europe,” Luis Enrique told reporters ahead of Tuesday’s first leg at home.

“Arsenal have done an incredible job this season also, in ​terms of consistency. Bayern are a ‌bit ahead of us because they have only lost two games, but if we speak about what we have shown as a team, we’re right up there.

“And no team is better than us. I said this after we ‌didn’t finish in the top eight in the league phase that I ​didn’t see any teams better than us.”

Last season, PSG also finished outside the top eight in the league stage before going on ⁠to lift the trophy, and in Ligue 1, having battled with Lens for long periods, it is six points clear.

“Every coach wants to head into the run-in in ‌the best possible conditions,” the PSG manager said.

“It’s the magic of the Champions League which gives special energy to the players, everyone wants to be there and to make the most of this time.”

NO NEGOTIATING

Enrique is well aware of the attacking threat posed by Bayern, including wingers Luis Diaz and Michael Olise, but that will not change the way his side approach the tie.

“We won the ‌Champions League last season with (full backs) Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes doing what they do,” he ​said.

“Of course they have to defend as well, but we know that they have to attack more than they defend if we ⁠want to win.

“We know how difficult it will be and we have to know ⁠how to defend well.”

The French club had long set its sights on winning the Champions League, and having finally realised that dream last season, ‌there is no chance of a less ambitious PSG this time.

“The first run was a relief, now it’s a different source of motivation because last ​year was great,” Enrique said. “We made history. And now, we’re hungry for more.”

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#UEFA #Champions #League #semifinal #PSG #Luis #Enrique #ahead #Bayern #clash

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Holder Paris St ​Germain takes on Bayern Munich in a Champions League semifinal clash of two of ‌the top attacking teams in Europe, and while Luis Enrique says ​the German club is the most consistent, no team is better ⁠than his side.

Three of the last four teams, PSG, Bayern and Arsenal, are top of their domestic leagues and the German side has clinched the Bundesliga, losing one game, having ‌also lost once in Europe.

While PSG and Atletico Madrid had to come through the playoffs, Arsenal and Bayern were the top two in ‌the league phase. In the last 16 and quarterfinals, PSG netted 12 ‌goals ⁠and Bayern 16.

“It’s not just about attacking statistics, but if you ⁠look at the defensive ones too, these are the best teams in Europe,” Luis Enrique told reporters ahead of Tuesday’s first leg at home.

“Arsenal have done an incredible job this season also, in ​terms of consistency. Bayern are a ‌bit ahead of us because they have only lost two games, but if we speak about what we have shown as a team, we’re right up there.

“And no team is better than us. I said this after we ‌didn’t finish in the top eight in the league phase that I ​didn’t see any teams better than us.”

Last season, PSG also finished outside the top eight in the league stage before going on ⁠to lift the trophy, and in Ligue 1, having battled with Lens for long periods, it is six points clear.

“Every coach wants to head into the run-in in ‌the best possible conditions,” the PSG manager said.

“It’s the magic of the Champions League which gives special energy to the players, everyone wants to be there and to make the most of this time.”

NO NEGOTIATING

Enrique is well aware of the attacking threat posed by Bayern, including wingers Luis Diaz and Michael Olise, but that will not change the way his side approach the tie.

“We won the ‌Champions League last season with (full backs) Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes doing what they do,” he ​said.

“Of course they have to defend as well, but we know that they have to attack more than they defend if we ⁠want to win.

“We know how difficult it will be and we have to know ⁠how to defend well.”

The French club had long set its sights on winning the Champions League, and having finally realised that dream last season, ‌there is no chance of a less ambitious PSG this time.

“The first run was a relief, now it’s a different source of motivation because last ​year was great,” Enrique said. “We made history. And now, we’re hungry for more.”

Published on Apr 27, 2026

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Deadspin | Guardians look to keep Tigers down, stay atop division May 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Jose Ramirez (11) celebrates after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images The first-place Cleveland Guardians can extend their American League Central Division lead when they visit Detroit to face the slumping Tigers for the first of a four-game series Monday. Cleveland has won five of its last six games, including a 10-3 pounding of the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. The Tigers have lost 10 of their last 12 games. Framber Valdez (2-2, 4.32 ERA) will start the opener of the four-game series for Detroit. The veteran left-hander delivered a solid performance in his previous outing after serving a five-game league suspension for beaning a Boston batter. Valdez limited the New York Mets to two runs and five hits while striking out seven in 6 2/3 innings last Wednesday. “Framber was dominating both sides of the plate,” utility man Zach McKinstry said. “It’s fun to play behind him when he’s dominating like that.” Valdez was working with a one-run lead before issuing a two-out walk to the Mets’ No. 9 hitter, Luis Torrens, who eventually scored the tying run. “This start mattered to him, just getting him back into the season,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “He worked hard to get into the game and I thought he threw the ball extremely well. The two-out walk will haunt him and it’ll haunt us a little bit. But we asked a ton out of him (Wednesday) and he delivered.” Valdez has been a Guardians killer during his career. He’s won all five of his appearances (four starts) against them, posting a 2.30 ERA. He will be opposed by right-hander Slade Cecconi (2-4, 5.60). It’s been a rocky beginning to the season for Cecconi, who has allowed four or more earned runs in five of his nine starts. He has shown signs of improvement in his last two starts. Cecconi limited the Kansas City Royals to two runs in 5 1/3 innings, then tossed four scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Angels. He posted seven strikeouts but required 89 pitches to record 12 outs. He’s 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in two career starts against the Tigers. Valdez will try to cool down Angel Martinez. The Guardians outfielder has been on a power surge, homering in four of his last five games. He’ll carry a six-game hitting streak into the contest. He’s scored eight runs and knocked in eight during that span. Martinez has nine homers this season, compared to 11 in 139 games last season. “Honestly, I’m trying to not get too high,” Martinez said. “(Whether) you’re having a good day, you have a good week, good month, I try not to get too high. This game can humble you really quick. I’m just enjoying the moment, and what happened today, it doesn’t matter tomorrow.” Manager Stephen Vogt believes Martinez’s improvement is a natural progression for the talented 24-year-old. “I think every young hitter continues to grow and understand, ‘If I can shrink the strike zone, and I can bring that pitcher into the strike zone, I’ve got a lot better chance to hit it hard,'” Vogt said. “We’ve seen Angel struggle with chase at times. But when he does keep that pitcher in the zone, man, is he dynamic and hits the ball hard.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Guardians #Tigers #stay #atop #divisionMay 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Jose Ramirez (11) celebrates after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The first-place Cleveland Guardians can extend their American League Central Division lead when they visit Detroit to face the slumping Tigers for the first of a four-game series Monday.

Cleveland has won five of its last six games, including a 10-3 pounding of the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. The Tigers have lost 10 of their last 12 games.

Framber Valdez (2-2, 4.32 ERA) will start the opener of the four-game series for Detroit. The veteran left-hander delivered a solid performance in his previous outing after serving a five-game league suspension for beaning a Boston batter.

Valdez limited the New York Mets to two runs and five hits while striking out seven in 6 2/3 innings last Wednesday.

“Framber was dominating both sides of the plate,” utility man Zach McKinstry said. “It’s fun to play behind him when he’s dominating like that.”

Valdez was working with a one-run lead before issuing a two-out walk to the Mets’ No. 9 hitter, Luis Torrens, who eventually scored the tying run.

“This start mattered to him, just getting him back into the season,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “He worked hard to get into the game and I thought he threw the ball extremely well. The two-out walk will haunt him and it’ll haunt us a little bit. But we asked a ton out of him (Wednesday) and he delivered.”

Valdez has been a Guardians killer during his career. He’s won all five of his appearances (four starts) against them, posting a 2.30 ERA.


He will be opposed by right-hander Slade Cecconi (2-4, 5.60). It’s been a rocky beginning to the season for Cecconi, who has allowed four or more earned runs in five of his nine starts.

He has shown signs of improvement in his last two starts. Cecconi limited the Kansas City Royals to two runs in 5 1/3 innings, then tossed four scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Angels. He posted seven strikeouts but required 89 pitches to record 12 outs.

He’s 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in two career starts against the Tigers.

Valdez will try to cool down Angel Martinez. The Guardians outfielder has been on a power surge, homering in four of his last five games. He’ll carry a six-game hitting streak into the contest. He’s scored eight runs and knocked in eight during that span.

Martinez has nine homers this season, compared to 11 in 139 games last season.

“Honestly, I’m trying to not get too high,” Martinez said. “(Whether) you’re having a good day, you have a good week, good month, I try not to get too high. This game can humble you really quick. I’m just enjoying the moment, and what happened today, it doesn’t matter tomorrow.”

Manager Stephen Vogt believes Martinez’s improvement is a natural progression for the talented 24-year-old.

“I think every young hitter continues to grow and understand, ‘If I can shrink the strike zone, and I can bring that pitcher into the strike zone, I’ve got a lot better chance to hit it hard,'” Vogt said. “We’ve seen Angel struggle with chase at times. But when he does keep that pitcher in the zone, man, is he dynamic and hits the ball hard.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Guardians #Tigers #stay #atop #division">Deadspin | Guardians look to keep Tigers down, stay atop division May 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Jose Ramirez (11) celebrates after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images The first-place Cleveland Guardians can extend their American League Central Division lead when they visit Detroit to face the slumping Tigers for the first of a four-game series Monday. Cleveland has won five of its last six games, including a 10-3 pounding of the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. The Tigers have lost 10 of their last 12 games. Framber Valdez (2-2, 4.32 ERA) will start the opener of the four-game series for Detroit. The veteran left-hander delivered a solid performance in his previous outing after serving a five-game league suspension for beaning a Boston batter. Valdez limited the New York Mets to two runs and five hits while striking out seven in 6 2/3 innings last Wednesday. “Framber was dominating both sides of the plate,” utility man Zach McKinstry said. “It’s fun to play behind him when he’s dominating like that.” Valdez was working with a one-run lead before issuing a two-out walk to the Mets’ No. 9 hitter, Luis Torrens, who eventually scored the tying run. “This start mattered to him, just getting him back into the season,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “He worked hard to get into the game and I thought he threw the ball extremely well. The two-out walk will haunt him and it’ll haunt us a little bit. But we asked a ton out of him (Wednesday) and he delivered.” Valdez has been a Guardians killer during his career. He’s won all five of his appearances (four starts) against them, posting a 2.30 ERA. He will be opposed by right-hander Slade Cecconi (2-4, 5.60). It’s been a rocky beginning to the season for Cecconi, who has allowed four or more earned runs in five of his nine starts. He has shown signs of improvement in his last two starts. Cecconi limited the Kansas City Royals to two runs in 5 1/3 innings, then tossed four scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Angels. He posted seven strikeouts but required 89 pitches to record 12 outs. He’s 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in two career starts against the Tigers. Valdez will try to cool down Angel Martinez. The Guardians outfielder has been on a power surge, homering in four of his last five games. He’ll carry a six-game hitting streak into the contest. He’s scored eight runs and knocked in eight during that span. Martinez has nine homers this season, compared to 11 in 139 games last season. “Honestly, I’m trying to not get too high,” Martinez said. “(Whether) you’re having a good day, you have a good week, good month, I try not to get too high. This game can humble you really quick. I’m just enjoying the moment, and what happened today, it doesn’t matter tomorrow.” Manager Stephen Vogt believes Martinez’s improvement is a natural progression for the talented 24-year-old. “I think every young hitter continues to grow and understand, ‘If I can shrink the strike zone, and I can bring that pitcher into the strike zone, I’ve got a lot better chance to hit it hard,'” Vogt said. “We’ve seen Angel struggle with chase at times. But when he does keep that pitcher in the zone, man, is he dynamic and hits the ball hard.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Guardians #Tigers #stay #atop #division

The complete NFL schedule for each team was released on Thursday night, and now we have a full picture of how things could shape up. There isn’t a lot when it comes to who “won” with their slate of games outside of favorable bye weeks, or easy opening runs to set up the season — but there are definitely a handful of teams who really got screwed over when it comes to their schedules.

These are the four teams that got an added layer of complexity added to their seasons due to scheduling.

The Cardinals will need to reconcile two opposing aims in 2026: Establishing Mike LaFleur as a winning coach, while also trying to ensure they tank the hell out of the season so they can find their quarterback of the future in the 2027 draft, because lol no, Carson Beck isn’t the answer.

It’s all well and good to say “just tank the year, and give LaFleur a season of grace,” but that’s easier said than done when you’re trying to establish a winning culture inside a locker room. The main issue is that there’s no good place on the Arizona slate where you can find them to at least grab a few wins and prove to themselves that the path is working.

An absolutely brutal run kicks the season off due to playing in the NFC West and getting a rough schedule as a result. Look at this opponent run up to the Week 14 bye: Chargers, Seahawks, 49ers, Giants, Lions, Rams, Broncos, Cowboys, Seahawks, Rams, Chiefs, Commanders, Eagles. That is just horrific for a team trying to find a way to win. I don’t know what the Cardinals did to deserve having FIVE divisional matchups before their bye.

No. 2: Los Angeles Chargers

The big thing with the Chargers’ slate is how well rested all of their opponents will be heading into their games. This chart really tells the whole story, with Los Angeles having an incredible 24 fewer days of rest over the course of the season compared to their opponents.

Not only this, but the Chargers have a bye week that falls too early in the season. They will be off Week 7, and still have the bulk of their games ahead of them. It’s especially rough when you factor in that the rest of the AFC West got fairly beneficial schedules for 2026 and that adds more difficulty for them.

No. 3: San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers’ have two international games, kicking off in Australia against the Rams, then heading to Mexico City later in the season. That would be difficult enough with irregular travel adding to the challenges of playing in the NFC West, but San Francisco also had a brutal run after their game against the Vikings in Mexico City, which comes at a critical time when they will be eyeing the playoffs.

From Week 13 until the end of the season here are their opponents in order: Seahawks, Giants, Rams, Chargers, Chiefs, Eagles, Cardinals.

The only gimme on the slate is Arizona, with so many tough games coming on the road to the playoffs. It’s incredibly easy to hit a skid, lose confidence, and limp into the playoffs at best. In addition, the 49ers have some brutal travel with their trip to Australia, as well as heading cross-country to New York and Atlanta. Overall this was just a brutal lineup of games.

This has much less to do with the fact that the Bears face the toughest strength of schedule in the NFL, and far more to do with their game scheduling. Across the 17 game regular season we see Chicago play five games in primetime, two with 4:25 p.m. ET kickoffs, and they play on both holidays. This means that over half the season sees Chicago moving around days, slots, and zones — which is really difficult when you’re trying to build routine and consistency.

Obviously, Ben Johnson is the kind of coach who can get solid performances out of his players, but there’s no doubt this is a tricky way to operate in a season with all the pressure of national games, the attention they bring, and changing up preparation from week to week. Throw that in with a tough opponent slate and it might be tricky for the Bears to have as much success this season.

#NFL #teams #royally #screwed #schedule">4 NFL teams who got royally screwed over by the schedule The complete NFL schedule for each team was released on Thursday night, and now we have a full picture of how things could shape up. There isn’t a lot when it comes to who “won” with their slate of games outside of favorable bye weeks, or easy opening runs to set up the season — but there are definitely a handful of teams who really got screwed over when it comes to their schedules.These are the four teams that got an added layer of complexity added to their seasons due to scheduling.The Cardinals will need to reconcile two opposing aims in 2026: Establishing Mike LaFleur as a winning coach, while also trying to ensure they tank the hell out of the season so they can find their quarterback of the future in the 2027 draft, because lol no, Carson Beck isn’t the answer.It’s all well and good to say “just tank the year, and give LaFleur a season of grace,” but that’s easier said than done when you’re trying to establish a winning culture inside a locker room. The main issue is that there’s no good place on the Arizona slate where you can find them to at least grab a few wins and prove to themselves that the path is working.An absolutely brutal run kicks the season off due to playing in the NFC West and getting a rough schedule as a result. Look at this opponent run up to the Week 14 bye: Chargers, Seahawks, 49ers, Giants, Lions, Rams, Broncos, Cowboys, Seahawks, Rams, Chiefs, Commanders, Eagles. That is just horrific for a team trying to find a way to win. I don’t know what the Cardinals did to deserve having FIVE divisional matchups before their bye.No. 2: Los Angeles ChargersThe big thing with the Chargers’ slate is how well rested all of their opponents will be heading into their games. This chart really tells the whole story, with Los Angeles having an incredible 24 fewer days of rest over the course of the season compared to their opponents.Not only this, but the Chargers have a bye week that falls too early in the season. They will be off Week 7, and still have the bulk of their games ahead of them. It’s especially rough when you factor in that the rest of the AFC West got fairly beneficial schedules for 2026 and that adds more difficulty for them.No. 3: San Francisco 49ersThe 49ers’ have two international games, kicking off in Australia against the Rams, then heading to Mexico City later in the season. That would be difficult enough with irregular travel adding to the challenges of playing in the NFC West, but San Francisco also had a brutal run after their game against the Vikings in Mexico City, which comes at a critical time when they will be eyeing the playoffs.From Week 13 until the end of the season here are their opponents in order: Seahawks, Giants, Rams, Chargers, Chiefs, Eagles, Cardinals.The only gimme on the slate is Arizona, with so many tough games coming on the road to the playoffs. It’s incredibly easy to hit a skid, lose confidence, and limp into the playoffs at best. In addition, the 49ers have some brutal travel with their trip to Australia, as well as heading cross-country to New York and Atlanta. Overall this was just a brutal lineup of games.This has much less to do with the fact that the Bears face the toughest strength of schedule in the NFL, and far more to do with their game scheduling. Across the 17 game regular season we see Chicago play five games in primetime, two with 4:25 p.m. ET kickoffs, and they play on both holidays. This means that over half the season sees Chicago moving around days, slots, and zones — which is really difficult when you’re trying to build routine and consistency.Obviously, Ben Johnson is the kind of coach who can get solid performances out of his players, but there’s no doubt this is a tricky way to operate in a season with all the pressure of national games, the attention they bring, and changing up preparation from week to week. Throw that in with a tough opponent slate and it might be tricky for the Bears to have as much success this season. #NFL #teams #royally #screwed #schedule

Iran’s national football team was headed to Turkey on Monday to play a final friendly match before flying to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, the country’s media reported.

“The Iranian national football team… departed this morning for Antalya, Turkey, to play its final friendly match before flying to the United States for the 2026 World Cup,” the Tasnim news agency reported.

It said the squad consisted of 22 domestic-based players alongside their coaching staff.

On Saturday, head coach Amir Ghalenoei said they would also be completing visa applications for the US while in Turkey.

The team’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the US which paused 40 days of war that began on February 28.

The US cut diplomatic ties with Iran in 1980 following the Islamic Revolution and the hostage crisis at the American embassy.

Iran hopes to play two friendlies in Antalya.

The side has already confirmed one match, against Gambia, on May 29, said Sam Mehdizadeh, an Iranian-Canadian who heads a company that sets up friendlies for the team.

READ: Preliminary Iran squad for FIFA World Cup 2026—Sardar Azmoun left out

“No visas have been issued yet,” Mehdi Taj, the Iran football federation head, told Iranian media on Thursday.

Taj said players were expected to undergo fingerprinting in Turkey as part of the visa process but wished to avoid a trip of more than 380 kilometres from Antalya to Ankara.

On Saturday, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom held a meeting in Turkey with the Iranian federation, describing it as excellent and constructive.

Taj also described Saturday’s meeting as “positive and constructive” without going into details.

When the squad reaches the United States, Iran will set up its base camp in Tucson, Arizona.

The team, which is in Group G, is due to kick off its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before facing Belgium in the same city and then Egypt in Seattle.

Published on May 18, 2026

#Irans #World #Cup #football #team #leaves #Turkey #reports">Iran’s World Cup football team leaves for Turkey – reports Iran’s national football team was headed to Turkey on Monday to play a final friendly match before flying to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, the country’s media reported.“The Iranian national football team… departed this morning for Antalya, Turkey, to play its final friendly match before flying to the United States for the 2026 World Cup,” the Tasnim news agency reported.It said the squad consisted of 22 domestic-based players alongside their coaching staff.On Saturday, head coach Amir Ghalenoei said they would also be completing visa applications for the US while in Turkey.The team’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the US which paused 40 days of war that began on February 28.The US cut diplomatic ties with Iran in 1980 following the Islamic Revolution and the hostage crisis at the American embassy.Iran hopes to play two friendlies in Antalya.The side has already confirmed one match, against Gambia, on May 29, said Sam Mehdizadeh, an Iranian-Canadian who heads a company that sets up friendlies for the team.READ: Preliminary Iran squad for FIFA World Cup 2026—Sardar Azmoun left out“No visas have been issued yet,” Mehdi Taj, the Iran football federation head, told Iranian media on Thursday.Taj said players were expected to undergo fingerprinting in Turkey as part of the visa process but wished to avoid a trip of more than 380 kilometres from Antalya to Ankara.On Saturday, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom held a meeting in Turkey with the Iranian federation, describing it as excellent and constructive.Taj also described Saturday’s meeting as “positive and constructive” without going into details.When the squad reaches the United States, Iran will set up its base camp in Tucson, Arizona.The team, which is in Group G, is due to kick off its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before facing Belgium in the same city and then Egypt in Seattle.Published on May 18, 2026 #Irans #World #Cup #football #team #leaves #Turkey #reports

Preliminary Iran squad for FIFA World Cup 2026—Sardar Azmoun left out

“No visas have been issued yet,” Mehdi Taj, the Iran football federation head, told Iranian media on Thursday.

Taj said players were expected to undergo fingerprinting in Turkey as part of the visa process but wished to avoid a trip of more than 380 kilometres from Antalya to Ankara.

On Saturday, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom held a meeting in Turkey with the Iranian federation, describing it as excellent and constructive.

Taj also described Saturday’s meeting as “positive and constructive” without going into details.

When the squad reaches the United States, Iran will set up its base camp in Tucson, Arizona.

The team, which is in Group G, is due to kick off its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before facing Belgium in the same city and then Egypt in Seattle.

Published on May 18, 2026

#Irans #World #Cup #football #team #leaves #Turkey #reports">Iran’s World Cup football team leaves for Turkey – reports

Iran’s national football team was headed to Turkey on Monday to play a final friendly match before flying to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, the country’s media reported.

“The Iranian national football team… departed this morning for Antalya, Turkey, to play its final friendly match before flying to the United States for the 2026 World Cup,” the Tasnim news agency reported.

It said the squad consisted of 22 domestic-based players alongside their coaching staff.

On Saturday, head coach Amir Ghalenoei said they would also be completing visa applications for the US while in Turkey.

The team’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the US which paused 40 days of war that began on February 28.

The US cut diplomatic ties with Iran in 1980 following the Islamic Revolution and the hostage crisis at the American embassy.

Iran hopes to play two friendlies in Antalya.

The side has already confirmed one match, against Gambia, on May 29, said Sam Mehdizadeh, an Iranian-Canadian who heads a company that sets up friendlies for the team.

READ: Preliminary Iran squad for FIFA World Cup 2026—Sardar Azmoun left out

“No visas have been issued yet,” Mehdi Taj, the Iran football federation head, told Iranian media on Thursday.

Taj said players were expected to undergo fingerprinting in Turkey as part of the visa process but wished to avoid a trip of more than 380 kilometres from Antalya to Ankara.

On Saturday, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom held a meeting in Turkey with the Iranian federation, describing it as excellent and constructive.

Taj also described Saturday’s meeting as “positive and constructive” without going into details.

When the squad reaches the United States, Iran will set up its base camp in Tucson, Arizona.

The team, which is in Group G, is due to kick off its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before facing Belgium in the same city and then Egypt in Seattle.

Published on May 18, 2026

#Irans #World #Cup #football #team #leaves #Turkey #reports

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