Iran debuts in the World Cup after a trajectory of uncertainty and conflict with the USA
Iran debuts at the 2026 World Cup this Monday (15), amid expectations about its participation after months of geopolitical tensions involving the United States, one of the competition's host countries.
The duel valid for Group G will be against New Zealand, at 10pm (Brasília time), and will be held in Los Angeles. The city has been dubbed by the press as "Tehran Angeles" due to the large Iranian community on the California coast.
However, not everyone is on the team's side at this World Cup. This week, a group of Iranians protested in Los Angeles and asked FIFA to withdraw Iran from the World Cup. The same had already happened in Vancouver, Canada, during a FIFA Congress.
The reason would be a possible influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) - a force with links to the country's government - in the Iranian Football Federation.
USA allows Iran to participate in the World Cup, but vetoes people linked to the Revolutionary Guard
The Revolutionary Guard, in fact, is considered a terrorist organization by the USA and Canada. This fact ended up influencing Iran's arrival at the tournament.
Mehdi Taj, president of the federation that runs football in the Persian country, has a history with military force and, therefore, had his visa request denied to enter the USA. In addition to him, several members of the delegation remain without permission to enter North American territory.
Iran's preparation in Mexico
Due to the imbroglio in obtaining visas, Iran prepared for the World Cup in the city of Tijuana, Mexico. Initially, the team's activities would be carried out in Tucson, Arizona.
Before, the Iranian delegation carried out training in Türkiye with several players who play there. Due to the war involving Iran, the USA and Israel, the local competition has been paralyzed since February.
Iranians protest with the country's old flag - LightRocket via Getty Images
Pre-game tension
Before the duel against the New Zealanders, the Tehran government is uncertain about how the team will be received and fears possible demonstrations, both inside and outside the stadium.
The country threatens to interrupt this Monday's match if unauthorized flags are displayed or chants against the national team occur inside the stadiums.
"We have informed FIFA that, if unofficial flags are taken or slogans against the national team are chanted in the stadiums where Iran plays in the World Cup, the person responsible for the team will have the obligation to stop the match," said Ahmad Donyamali, Minister of Sports, according to local press.
In addition to the match against New Zealand, Iran will face Belgium on June 21st, also in Los Angeles, and face Egypt on the 26th, in Seattle.
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Source: CNN