INGLEWOOD, California — Iran captain Mehdi Taremi said his team has faced a difficult buildup to FIFA World Cup 2026 after war-related disruptions, visa issues and travel complications affected preparations ahead of Monday’s opener against New Zealand.
Iran has been based in Tijuana, Mexico, after relocating its training camp from the United States following the outbreak of conflict between Iran and the United States earlier this year.
The team traveled to the Los Angeles area on Sunday for its Group G opener, with players and staff continuing to deal with logistical challenges throughout the tournament.
“I have felt the tension from the first moment we arrived at this World Cup,” Taremi said. “At any tournament there should be peace and joy. This time it has not felt the same.”
The 33-year-old striker added that the situation had affected the atmosphere surrounding the competition.
“This kind of tension undermines the joy and the message that football brings peace,” he said.
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei acknowledged the circumstances have complicated preparations, including visa issues affecting members of the delegation and lengthy travel arrangements between Mexico and match venues in the United States.
“Football is supposed to bring nations and cultures together,” Ghalenoei said. “These conditions have impacted our technical focus, but we have worked hard to keep the players focused on football.”
Iran initially planned to hold its World Cup camp in Arizona before moving operations to Baja California after the conflict escalated. FIFA later rejected a request to play all of Iran’s matches outside the United States.
The team is expected to make brief trips into the United States for its matches before returning to Mexico, creating additional travel demands during the tournament.
Despite the challenges, Taremi stressed that the squad remains focused on representing all Iranians.
“We play for every Iranian, whether they live in Iran or abroad,” he said. “We do not get involved in politics. We are here to play football and bring joy to our people.”
Iran, ranked 20th in the world, was among the first nations to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026 and is widely considered a contender to advance from a Group G that also includes Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.
The Iranians open their campaign against New Zealand on Monday at SoFi Stadium before facing Belgium and Egypt in their remaining group-stage matches.
Source: Saudi Gazette