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The Guardian World1 min read
Political tension has undermined World Cup joy, says Iran striker
TL;DR
Iran's national football team faces significant political challenges as they prepare for the World Cup, including visa issues and a tense backdrop with the U.S. striker Mehdi Taremi states that this tension detracts from the joy of the tournament.
Key points
- Iran's World Cup team carries significant political baggage
- Team faced visa problems and had to relocate their base camp
- Iran plays under the gaze of a large Iranian diaspora in the U.S.
- Recent agreement to halt hostilities may ease tensions
- Mehdi Taremi comments on the impact of tension on World Cup joy
Mentioned in this story
Mehdi TaremiUnited States
Iran National Football Team
Rarely has a team arrived at a World Cup carrying so much political baggage than Iran.
Until this week, the host nation, the United States, had been at war with the country.
The team has faced visa problems. They have had to relocate their base camp. And when they take to the pitch here in Los Angeles on Monday (Tuesday, 02:00 BST), they will do so under the gaze of one of the world's largest Iranian diasporas.
An agreement to halt hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz was announced on Sunday. It may have eased fears of further escalation, but tensions remain high.
"This kind of tension undermines the joy of the World Cup," said striker Mehdi Taremi.
"I felt the tension from the first moment we arrived. The tension started even before we got here."
After months of uncertainty, Iran moved their World Cup base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to the Mexican border city of Tijuana.
The decision followed concerns over visas, security and the increasingly fraught political climate surrounding the team's participation.
Iran's manager, Amir Ghalenoei, told the BBC the disruption had inevitably affected preparations.
"Without any doubt, this kind of behaviour has impacted the spirit of football," he said.
"Football is supposed to bring nations and cultures together. It is about bringing joy. These conditions have affected our focus, but I have tried to make sure the players concentrate on strategy and performance."
He added that the team had arrived late and had little time to adjust.
"But I know how committed these players are to performing."
Image caption,
Iran's players arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday from their base in Tijuana
Los Angeles is often nicknamed "Tehrangeles" - a fact that drew smiles from both player and manager when it was mentioned at the news conference.
Many Iranian-Americans will be heading to SoFi Stadium on Monday where Iran will open their World Cup campaign against New Zealand.
Many will not be there to cheer, but to protest.
Fifa has banned the pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag - a powerful symbol for many Iranians living abroad.
The decision has angered parts of the diaspora.
Q&A
What political issues is Iran's World Cup team facing?
Iran's World Cup team is dealing with visa problems and has had to relocate their base camp due to political tensions with the United States.
How has the U.S.-Iran relationship impacted the World Cup for Iran?
The strained relationship has created a politically charged atmosphere for the Iranian team, affecting their preparations and overall experience at the World Cup.
What did Mehdi Taremi say about the impact of political tension on the World Cup?
Mehdi Taremi stated that the ongoing political tension undermines the joy of participating in the World Cup.
What recent developments have occurred in U.S.-Iran relations before the World Cup?
An agreement to halt hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz was announced, which may have eased some tensions but did not eliminate them.
