Valery Karpin, the head coach of the Russia national team, indicated that he would finalize the roster for the upcoming training camp and the friendly matches set for March. The camp and the friendlies are part of the lead-up to the next competitive window, with Iran and Iraq earmarked as the opponents for the tune-up period. The plan reflects Karpin’s approach to building a squad that can address the tactical challenges ahead and maximize readiness for international fixtures.
The Russian Football Union confirmed that a match between the Iran and Russia national teams is scheduled for March 23 in Tehran. Earlier reporting also noted a separate friendly, with Russia facing Iraq on March 27 at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi. These fixtures are seen as important steps in evaluating player form, chemistry, and depth across positions ahead of broader European competition cycles.
Karpin was asked about the timing of naming the squad for the first training camp of the year, and he replied that preparations would span roughly two weeks, with a possible window around March 5–6 for final selections. This cadence allows the coaching staff to observe players in domestic and international match contexts before selecting the core group for the camp.
Historically, FIFA and UEFA have decided to suspend participation of the Russian national team and Russian clubs from all competitions under their governance, a move that has defined the competitive landscape for the team in recent years. The implications of this exclusion have shaped strategic planning, player development, and international exposure for Russian football during this period.
Jan Dyuritsa, a former Lokomotiv Moscow defender, expressed confidence that the railway club could triumph over Spartak in aggregate to advance in the Russian Cup quarterfinals, highlighting the competitive nerves that run through top-tier Russian football. His assessment reflected the belief that league rivalries can intensify as teams prepare for knockout challenges and domestic cup pressure.
In the most recent matchup, the red-and-white side secured a 1-0 victory in the opening leg, underscoring the fine margins that often decide knockout ties and the importance of maintaining momentum across two legs. The ongoing domestic competition remains a focal point for clubs and supporters alike as teams strive to translate league form into Cup success.