Iran's World Cup Journey Clouded by Tensions with U.S., Says Team Captain

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Mehdi Taremi, the captain of the Iranian national football team, has expressed the difficulties his squad is facing during this World Cup, largely influenced by the ongoing conflict with the tournament's co-host, the United States. The team arrived in the Los Angeles vicinity on Sunday, having moved from their training camp in Tijuana, Mexico, which is approximately 140 miles (225 kilometers) from the venue where they will compete against New Zealand on Monday night.

The relocation of Iran's training camp was necessitated by the outbreak of war, which has introduced numerous distractions, including complications with visas. “I have felt the tension from the first moment we arrived at this World Cup,” Taremi remarked through an interpreter. He added, “At any tournament when there is tension, we won’t have the same beautiful experience we always talk about with peace and joy.” He noted that visa issues were not exclusive to his team, as several other nations faced similar obstacles.

The conflict escalated following a U.S. attack on February 28, which resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since then, hostilities have fluctuated, culminating in President Donald Trump announcing a peace deal earlier on the day of the press conference. Taremi emphasized the impact of such tension, stating, “This kind of tension, it undermines that joy and it undermines the message of FIFA and our people, which is that football brings about peace.”

Initially, Iran had intended to train in Tucson, Arizona, but the war prompted a swift move to Baja California. FIFA subsequently denied the country's request to hold its World Cup matches outside the U.S., citing logistical constraints. Consequently, the Iranian team has faced various logistical challenges, including visa denials for some delegation members, with a spokesperson confirming that two media relations staff were barred from entering the U.S. for the opening match.

Iran's coach, Amir Ghalenoei, acknowledged the adverse effects of these circumstances on the team's morale. “Without any doubt, this will impact negatively the spirit of football,” he stated. He noted that football is meant to foster unity among nations, regardless of the game's outcome. The team is limited to brief stays in the U.S., arriving the day before their matches and departing immediately afterward. They will compete again next Sunday in Inglewood against Belgium and later face Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

Despite the challenges, Taremi remains focused on their mission: “We play for every Iranian, be it in the diaspora or in Iran. We are here to unite people and we will try to bring joy to all Iranians wherever they live. We do not get involved in politics. We are here to play football.” The Los Angeles area, particularly known as Tehrangeles, hosts a significant Iranian population, many of whom have left Iran since the late 1970s revolution.