Iran beats Mali 2-0 in final World Cup friendly, heads to Mexico

Iran secured a 2-0 victory over Mali in their final friendly match before heading to the FIFA World Cup, with goals from Saeid Ezatolahi and Ramin Rezaeian. This win marks Iran's third in four friendlies this year. The matches against Mali were the only competitive games for Iran-based players since their domestic league was suspended amid escalating global tensions.

The Iranian squad has received their visas from Mexico and is scheduled to depart Turkey this Saturday for their tournament base in Tijuana. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to host the team after US authorities reportedly objected to Iran's original base in Arizona. The team is expected to stay in Tijuana for the duration of the tournament.

Despite qualifying early for the World Cup, Iran's participation has been under a cloud due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The team has held two training camps in Antalya, also playing friendlies against Nigeria (a loss) and registering wins against Costa Rica and Gambia.

Iran's group stage matches are set to take place in the United States. They will face New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 15, followed by Belgium at the same venue on June 21, and conclude their group play against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.