Iran captain Mehdi Taremi says his team is having a challenging World Cup experience amid the multifold disruptions created by their nation’s war with the US, the tournament’s co-host. The Iranians arrived in the Los Angeles area on Sunday from their training base in Tijuana, Mexico, just over the US border — about 140 miles from the stadium where they will open group-stage play against New Zealand on Monday night.
War-Related Challenges
Iran’s training camp was relocated from the US after the war began, and the Iranian team has endured numerous distractions since then, including visa problems. Taremi stated, “I have felt the tension from the first moment we arrived at this World Cup.” He emphasized that the tension undermines the joy and the message of FIFA and the people, which is that football brings about peace.
The US attacked Iran on February 28, and the initial missile strikes killed its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The war has slowed and resumed several times since then, with President Donald Trump even announcing a peace deal earlier Sunday — one that wasn’t addressed at the press conference.
Impact on the Team
Iran has been beset with logistical problems since then, including the denial of visas for certain members of its delegation. A team spokesperson said Sunday that two members of its media relations group were denied US visas for the opening match. Iran and its traveling fans also have faced multiple issues with match tickets.
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said, “Without any doubt, this will impact negatively the spirit of football.” He emphasized that football is supposed to bring nations and cultures together, and these conditions have impacted the team’s technical focus.
The Iranian team is limited to brief trips into the US for its matches, flying in the day before the game and reportedly flying out immediately afterward. Iran plays in Inglewood, California, again next Sunday against Belgium, before completing the group stage in Seattle against Egypt on June 26.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
