Russia’s National Team to Face Iraq and Iran in Upcoming Friendlies Amid UEFA and FIFA Exclusions
The Russian national team is set to play a pair of international friendlies in March, with a match against Iraq slated for March 27. This scheduling comes amid ongoing reporting from Sport Express and other outlets that document the fixtures as part of Russia’s post-exclusion activity on the international scene.
Reports indicate that the March 27 game will take place in Sochi. Earlier information suggested that Iraq had invited Russia to participate in the opening of a Baghdad stadium, and that the Russian Football Union had invited Iraqi representatives to Sochi with an official reply letter. These discussions reflect a broader effort to reestablish dialogue and competitive opportunities for the Russian side within a framework allowed by participating organizations.
In addition to the Iraq match, the RFU previously confirmed details about another friendly, this time against Iran, with the clash scheduled for March 23 in Tehran. The confirmation aligns with earlier announcements about Russia’s forthcoming non-official fixtures as the country remains outside FIFA and UEFA competitions following disciplinary measures implemented in 2022.
Since the sanctions were imposed, Russia has focused on regional and non-sanctioned fixtures to maintain team readiness and provide competitive exposure for players. In 2022, the national team engaged in three friendlies against Asian opponents Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, marking a shift toward developing squad cohesion outside the traditional European framework.
On the international stage, the last official match played by the Russia team came in November 2021, a World Cup qualifying fixture against Croatia that ended in a 0-1 defeat. Since then, the national program has navigated the complexities of eligibility, scheduling, and international participation in light of the current regulatory environment among football’s governing bodies.
Public commentary from former players and club figures continues to shape perceptions of how the national team should be used in this transitional period. Notably, former Manchester United star Andrei Kanchelskis offered his perspective in discussions about player selection, while Lokomotiv’s Artem Dzyuba voiced his stance on whether he should be recalled for the Iran friendly. These voices reflect ongoing debates about strategy, player selection, and national duty during a time of shifting international rules and expectations.
Experts and fans alike watch closely as Russia navigates its path within international football, balancing development goals with the realities of exclusion from the major European and world tournaments. The forthcoming matches in March are viewed as steps toward maintaining competitive readiness, offering players a platform to demonstrate form and resolve while national team leadership assesses long-term plans and potential re-entry into wider competition when conditions permit.
As the situation evolves, stakeholders emphasize the importance of transparent communication and careful planning. The fixtures against Iraq and Iran provide opportunities to test tactical approaches, evaluate emerging talents, and sustain public interest in the national program during a period of transition. The broader aim remains clear: to keep the squad cohesive, focused, and competitive on the international stage while navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.
Notes and updates regarding these friendlies are provided by national federation communications and corroborated by sports media coverage. The evolving calendar continues to shape expectations for the team’s development, resilience, and readiness to resume participation in global competitions when the opportunity arises.