Angola FA cancel friendlies against Jordan and Iran amid Middle East tension

The Angolan Football Federation has announced the cancellation of the national team’s planned friendly matches during the March international window due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The Panthers had initially scheduled a training camp in Dubai as part of their preparations for the March 2026 FIFA international window and were expected to take on Jordan and Iran.

However, the federation confirmed that the worsening conflict in the region forced officials to reconsider the entire plan, with player safety becoming the top priority.

“The Angolan Football Federation hereby informs the national public, its associates, fans and all other stakeholders in Angolan football that the national team will not play any friendly matches during the March international window”

“As part of the sporting preparations described above, two friendly matches were planned in Dubai, against the national teams of Jordan and Iran. However, the escalation of the current conflict in the Middle East and the resulting instability in the region have necessitated a serious, cautious and responsible reassessment of the entire framework initially envisaged” a statement from the Angolan FA reads.

The training camp in Dubai had been intended to help the Palancas Negras fine-tune preparations ahead of upcoming international commitments. But with security concerns growing in the region, Angolan football authorities opted to cancel the trip entirely.

The move reflects the federation’s commitment to safeguarding players and staff, while also ensuring that future preparations take place under stable and secure conditions.