Iran to Play Final World Cup Warm-Up Behind Closed Doors in Turkey

Iran will play its final World Cup warm-up match against Mali behind closed doors in Antalya, Turkey, on Thursday, the Iranian FA said on Wednesday. The team will then travel to a tournament base in Tijuana, Mexico, on Saturday. The change from the original Arizona base was approved by FIFA.

Cup but faced uncertainty after U.S. and Israeli air strikes on the country in late February. The squad has held two training camps in Antalya and played three friendlies, losing to Nigeria and defeating Costa Rica and Gambia. The closed-door arrangement for the Mali match follows a statement from the Iranian FA citing tactical objectives set by the head coach.

Its final group game against Egypt is scheduled for Seattle. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that Washington would allow the players to enter but would bar officials or staff linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps from accompanying the delegation.

Both the U.S. and Canada classify the IRGC as a terrorist entity. Iran is scheduled to open its campaign against New Zealand on June 15.