Italy’s repechage to the World Cup: Poland and Lewandowski tick up

Iran believes: despite uncertainty over the situation that has arisen in the Persian Gulf and visa difficulties Tehran’s selection is continuing to prepare for the 2026 World Cup scheduled for Canada, the United States and Mexico. Team Melli will face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in Los Angeles and Seattle, and for months its participation has been given in the balance given the ongoing war with the host country, the U.S.

But clear signals keep coming from Tehran. According to reports from the Irna news agency, the third phase of the Iranian national team’s retreat is underway and will continue until it moves to Turkey. As the start of the 2026 World Cup approaches, Amir Ghalenoei’s team has several friendly matches scheduled to arrive at the rainbow event in the best possible shape. On Friday night, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, revealed during a TV program that one of these tests will be against Poland.

Taj added that he has already spoken with the president of the Polish Football Federation and that the match will be made official soon. The challenge against Poland, which can count on the likes of Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, will be an excellent test for Iranian players before the world’s most important soccer tournament. In spite of the presence of several top players, Poland, on the other hand, failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

In a few days in Zurich, the long-awaited summit with FIFA is scheduled to take place, which is expected to establish once and for all the terms and conditions of Iran’s trip to the United States. Italy, which can count on the support of Trump’s special envoy Zampolli, is an interested spectator.

Before the friendly against Poland, Iran has already scheduled another test match: on May 29 in Antalya, Turkey, Team Melli will face Gambia. An opponent that is preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, and has accepted Iran’s proposal after several other national teams-including Panama, North Macedonia, and Angola-had declined the invitation in recent weeks. The Iranian federation has reportedly agreed to cover all expenses related to Gambia’s trip to Turkey, including airfare, accommodation and training facilities.