Iran footballers describe how war with US-Israel affects their World Cup | World Cup 2026 News
Iran Faces Unique Challenge Ahead of World Cup Amid Ongoing Conflict
Iran’s national football team is preparing for the World Cup while the country grapples with an ongoing war against a host nation, an unprecedented situation in the tournament’s history.
The conflict, stemming from a U.S.-Israeli offensive against Iran that began on February 28, has led to a fragile ceasefire since April 8. However, uncertainty remains as sporadic hostilities continue.
This troubled backdrop has complicated the team’s preparations, as all matches are scheduled to take place in the United States. The Iranian squad has spent over two weeks training in Turkey, primarily in the coastal city of Antalya, while some players traveled to Ankara to secure U.S. visas.
Despite ongoing challenges with visa processes, the team’s participation in the World Cup, jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, has not been definitively ruled out. Midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi, who has appeared in previous World Cups, acknowledged the mental strain on the team amid the tumultuous situation.
“It’s not easy,” Ezatolahi said during a training session in Antalya. “At the same time, we are following the news in our country, and the political climate can affect the mindset of the players.”
The team announced on Thursday that it had received visas from the Mexican embassy in Ankara and plans to travel to Mexico this weekend, having finalized entry permits for all squad members. Due to delays in visa processing, the team’s training base was relocated from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico.
Iran’s first two matches will occur near Los Angeles, which is home to a significant Iranian expatriate community. Many in this community are opposed to the current government. Ezatolahi expressed hopes that the support from fans would motivate the team, despite the heightened expectations it brings.
“We are expecting a lot of fans in the stadium,” he said. “This will bring pressure, but I want to make them proud and show that Iranians are prepared for every difficult situation.”
Mohammad Ghorbani, a 24-year-old midfielder participating in his first World Cup, shared a similar sentiment. “We are facing special circumstances, but we are football players, and our duty is to focus on the game,” he said.
The U.S. and Israeli offensives have claimed the lives of top Iranian leaders, prompting retaliatory strikes from Iran targeting U.S. interests and allies in the region. While a ceasefire exists, no permanent resolution has been negotiated, and tensions in the area remain high.
Iran is scheduled to play in Group G against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. The team will not need to enter the U.S. until June 14, one day before its first match against New Zealand at the Los Angeles Rams’ stadium in Inglewood. Subsequent matches will take place on June 21 against Belgium and June 26 against Egypt in Seattle.
“I’m proud to be part of my national team,” Ezatolahi added, emphasizing the need to maintain focus as the team aims to represent Iran on the world stage. Ghorbani echoed the importance of unity, stating, “We are showing that we are one team under one flag that can bring joy to our whole country.”
The FIFA World Cup is set to commence on June 11. For the latest updates, visit Al Jazeera’s dedicated World Cup 2026 page for news, match previews, and real-time commentary.
