Few teams have been discussed as much as Iran ahead of this World Cup. With less than fifty days until their opening match against New Zealand on June 16 in Los Angeles, clarity remains elusive. Will Iran actually participate? What is the country's official stance? How could they play in the United States while being bombed? Would a peace agreement alter the situation? What actions will FIFA take? These unanswered questions transcend football, highlighting a nation grappling with war, torment, and heartbreak.
Iran's Complex Relationship with Football and Politics
Iran's history and politics offer a limited view into the country, including its football team. When Iran's women's team competed in the Asian Cup in Australia earlier this year, their emotional struggle over the national anthem and potential asylum requests moved many. Sport and politics have long intertwined for Iran; at the last World Cup, controversy surrounded whether women spectators could attend matches.
An estimated one million Iranians, including Iranian-Americans and those of Iranian heritage, reside on the US West Coast, with most reportedly opposing the Islamic regime. Every Iran match—against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt—could feature anti-regime demonstrations, with two games in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. The New Zealand game has already sold 53,000 tickets to Iranians, many waving the old flag rather than the Islamic Republic's banner.
Potential Protests and Regime Concerns
The Iranian regime likely fears not only playing in the US but also the concentration of opponents in these areas. The Seattle game coincides with Pride weekend, and while Iran's FA has complained to FIFA about this, many US-based Iranians enjoy freedom of expression and may join Pride celebrations—their views do not necessarily reflect the regime's. The Iran FA, led by Mehdi Taj, who has ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, is seen as closely linked to the regime.
Players face immense pressure, with close monitoring in team bases. Not singing the national anthem, as they did before the England game in Qatar 2022, is a courageous stand, but consequences can be severe: families pressured, property confiscated, as seen with ex-captain Masoud Shojaei, whose assets were reportedly seized. The US initially denied visa requests for Iran's contingent at the December draw in Washington, later relenting for the coach. This week, Iranian officials, including Taj, were denied entry to Canada due to visa issues.
Football as a Secondary Concern
For those living through the crisis, football is the last priority. An ex-pat Iranian told Mirror Football: "I just can’t see how they play without a peace deal. But also it will be such a focal point for this World Cup. It’s the worst place from the regime’s point of view; they’d have been happier to be in Mexico, Canada, or anywhere but the West Coast. There’s lots of conspiracy theories: is it being done to put pressure on the regime? It makes sense to play on the West Coast because there are a million Iranians there."
Iran has many successful figures in football, such as Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali, super agent Kia Joorabchian, and Mehrdad Ghodoussi. The country is football-mad, with over 20 daily sports newspapers and an obsession with English football. Iran is the strongest Asian side after Japan, and this will be their seventh World Cup, though they have rarely fulfilled their potential. Their notable moment came in 1978 with a 1-1 draw against Scotland, and in 1998, they beat the US in a match dubbed the "Mother of All Games."
Iran's Team and Prospects
Iran's star player is Mehdi Taremi, 33, who plays for Olympiacos and has scored 59 goals in 103 caps. Sardar Azmoun was reportedly ejected from the squad for an anti-regime social media post. Coach Amir Ghalenoei, 62, is in his second spell. Iran is ranked 21st by FIFA, with recent results including a narrow loss to Nigeria and a 5-0 win over Costa Rica. Taking them seriously as a football nation is essential, but this time, more serious issues are at play than just football.
