World Cup-Bound Iran Announces Friendly Against Eagles in March
World Cup-bound Iran national football team has confirmed a scheduled international friendly match
against Nigeria’s Nigeria national football team as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,
officials said.
The Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI) announced that the senior sides will meet on March 27, 2026,
during the FIFA international match window. The friendly was confirmed by Iranian FA spokesperson
Amirmahdi Alavai, although the venue and kick-off time are yet to be finalised.
Iran, who have already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup set to take place in the United
States, Canada and Mexico, view the fixture as a key opportunity to sharpen tactics and team cohesion
ahead of the tournament. The Asian side will also play another friendly against Costa Rica on March 30
as part of their buildup.
For Nigeria, the March friendly offer comes amid ongoing discussions about the Super Eagles’
international schedule and participation, especially following their controversial exit from World Cup
qualification play-offs against the Democratic Republic of Congo in late 2025.
Reports have noted that Nigeria’s ability to honour the match is linked to a pending FIFA ruling on the
country’s eligibility protest.
Despite the uncertainty, both federations have kept the March international window open, offering fans
a high-profile encounter between two respected football nations ahead of the global tournament.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
