Iran captain Mehdi Taremi said the joy the team should be feeling at competing in the World Cup has been “undermined” by the tense political situation surrounding their participation.
Iran’s involvement in these finals has been in doubt since the United States and Israeli air strikes began in February, with US President Donald Trump at one stage stating the team’s “life and safety” would be at risk if they attended.
The team moved their training base to Tijuana in Mexico in a bid to avoid visa issues, but 11 officials were still denied US visas to cross the border and attend the team’s matches.
They arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday and Porto striker Taremi admitted this arrival was nothing like his previous two experiences in 2018 and 2022.
“It’s not just Iran that has been impacted, others including referees have been impacted,” he said, referencing the denial of a visa to Somali official Omar Artan by the US authorities.
“Of course we have felt the tension from the moment we arrived at this World Cup. Of course we don’t have the same beautiful experience of peace and joy (as at previous World Cups).
“But I know it was not just us, several countries had visa problems and changes of training camps. There was tension before even arriving.”
He continued: “This kind of tension undermines that joy and undermines the message of FIFA which is about football bringing about peace.
“I think this World Cup could have provided a better atmosphere than it has. But I hope in the future it will be better for all fans of whatever team they are supporting in the World Cup.”
Los Angeles has a large Iranian expatriate community, but it is expected the team will face hostility at Monday’s match because the team are seen as an extension of the Iranian government, with anti-regime sentiment strong among the diaspora.
Protesters were even present at the team’s hotel in Los Angeles when they arrived on Sunday.
Taremi said: “We play for every Iranian, be they diaspora or in the country.
“In every country people have different opinions and as footballers we are here to unite people, irrespective of where they live.
“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and we respect them. We are here to bring joy to the Iranian people. We are not getting involved in politics, we are here to play football.”
The team’s preparations have been difficult throughout, and it took just under two hours for the team to get to their hotel after disembarking their flight from Tijuana at Los Angeles Airport, despite the two venues being close together.
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei admitted the build-up to the World Cup had not been ideal in many ways.
“Football has its own plannings and strategies and we need to have good planning in order to take part in this,” he said.
“Yes, our camp was changed twice, first in the US and then we were transferred to Mexico. Of course that impacts us.
“I would like to thank the good people of Mexico. But we Iranians are accustomed to making opportunities out of hardship, and I don’t think of anything than bringing joy to our people – the rest is up to God.
“God willing, I know our players are determined to do their utmost.”
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