Iran's World Cup experience is less joyful amid war with host US,
Iran captain Mehdi Taremi says visa denials, ticket issues, and a relocated training base have disrupted the team's World Cup campaign amid U.S.-Iran tensions.
- On Monday night, Iran plays New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, after arriving from their training base in Tijuana, Mexico, about 140 miles away.
- Iran's training camp was relocated after the war began on February 28, and the team has endured visa denials for two media relations staff and ticketing issues for traveling fans.
- Captain Mehdi Taremi, a 33-year-old Olympiacos striker, said "at any tournament when there is tension, we won't have the same beautiful experience we always talk about with peace and joy." Coach Amir Ghalenoei added the conditions "will impact negatively the spirit of football."
- President Donald Trump announced a peace deal on Sunday, yet the Iranian delegation remained focused on football, with Taremi stating "we do not get involved in politics." The team aims to unite Iranians regardless of political differences.
- Iran plays Belgium in Inglewood next Sunday before completing group play against Egypt in Seattle on June 26, with the squad limited to brief trips for matches only.
31 Articles
31 Articles
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Iran's national team has to leave the USA in the evening after the start of the World Cup in Los Angeles. So says Captain Mehdi Taremi. »Fifa should help us more.« Everything important about the World Cup.
Iran’s World Cup Problem: Limited Visa and Unable to Make Night in the United States · Global Voices
The Asian team will contest their three matches of the group phase on American soil and will be forced to comply to rajatabla the limits...
Iran launches its World Cup in the night from Monday 15th to Tuesday 16th June against New Zealand. Finally settled in Mexico, due to the war with the United States, the Iranian selection arrived on Sunday in Los Angeles. "We're here for football, not politics," said Captain Mehdi Taremi. - World Cup 2026: Iran competes in the United States "for football, not politics" (Sports).
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