Arabic version: فريق كرة القدم الإيراني يواجه تحديات فريدة قبل كأس العالم 2026

Iran’s national football team is preparing for the World Cup under unprecedented circumstances, as the country is currently at war with the United States and Israel. This conflict, which began on February 28, has created a chaotic backdrop for the players, with their matches set to occur entirely in the US.

According to Al Jazeera, the Iranian squad has been training in Turkiye for over two weeks, focusing on their preparations in Antalya. Due to ongoing visa complications, the team had to relocate their training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, where they recently secured visas from the Mexican embassy.

Saeid Ezatolahi, a 29-year-old midfielder with experience from previous World Cups, expressed the difficulty of the situation, noting that the ongoing conflict weighs heavily on the players’ minds. “It is going to be difficult for us because, at the same time, we are following the news in our country,” he said. Despite these challenges, the team aims to represent their nation well, especially in front of a large Iranian community in Los Angeles.

Mohammad Ghorbani, a first-time World Cup player, emphasized the importance of focusing on their game while acknowledging the hardships faced by their fellow citizens. “We are football players, and we have to play, practice, and prepare ourselves for the competitions we have ahead,” he stated.

The Iranian team is set to compete in Group G against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, with their first match scheduled for June 14 at the Los Angeles Rams’ stadium. The players are determined to bring joy to their compatriots, showcasing the resilience and talent of the Iranian people on a global stage.