Iran football team presses on at World Cup opener despite US visa row

Iran's national football team, coached by Amir Ghalenoei, travelled to Los Angeles for the Group G opening match against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium. The squad faced logistical setbacks after the United States denied visas to several support staff, forcing a last‑minute relocation of their training camp from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico. Ghalenoei told reporters the team would not “pay attention to any provocation” and stressed they were there “to showcase quality football” despite the surrounding controversy.

The team also highlighted a broader goal of uniting Iranians worldwide, saying they represent both citizens inside Iran and the diaspora. Their appearance comes shortly after Washington and Tehran announced a permanent peace agreement ending recent hostilities. While some Iranian diaspora groups planned protests outside the stadium, players such as striker Mehdi Taremi said the tension “somewhat colors the celebration,” but affirmed their focus remains on delivering a strong performance.

This match marks the first time a World Cup host nation stages a game involving a country with which it has been in direct conflict, underscoring the diplomatic sensitivities surrounding the tournament.