Forward Shahriyar Moghanlou selected for Iran's provisional World Cup team

Moghanlou, who netted eight goals in the UAE Pro League season that ended recently, teams up with Kalba teammate Saman Ghoddos in the provisional squad. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei must finalise the roster to 26 players by June 1.

His inclusion could provide encouragement to omitted forward Sardar Azmoun, also active in the UAE Pro League, suggesting his World Cup aspirations may still be alive.

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Midfielder Rouzbeh Cheshmi, sidelined with a hamstring injury during training, will depart the Antalya camp for medical attention, the squad confirmed.

The national team, set to face Gambia in Antalya on May 29, also announced a follow-up friendly against Mali scheduled for June 4. This match precedes the team's departure to the United States the following day.

On Thursday, players dedicated considerable time in Ankara, Turkey, securing visas for travel to Canada and the US.

Iran's World Cup group stage matches all take place in the US, kicking off against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. Potential advancement to the knockout phase may require travel to Canada.

FFIRI President Mehdi Taj was denied entry to Canada for the recent FIFA Congress due to his associations with the IRGC.

Both the US and Canada, co-hosting the tournament with Mexico, designate the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. They have explicitly stated they will bar individuals connected to this military group.