Iran Coach Admits Politics Impacted World Cup Prep, Insists Squad Focused On Football

Iran’s national football team coach, Amir Ghalenoei, has admitted that political tensions and visa complications have hindered his side’s World Cup preparations, but insists his players will not be distracted by the surrounding “hype.”

The Iranian squad arrived in the United States amidst a significant diplomatic dispute, with the US – currently at war with Iran – denying visas for some team support staff. Their opening match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on Monday marks a historic occasion: the first time a World Cup host has played a nation with which it is in military conflict.

Ghalenoei, speaking at a press conference, stated, “We are here to perform a good match, a high-quality match. We don’t pay attention to any of the hype and anything that goes on around us.” He emphasised that the team’s purpose is to “represent the respectful people of Iran, be it the Iranians inside Iran or the Iranian diaspora,” and reiterated that “football is separate from politics.”

The coach acknowledged the logistical challenges, including a last-minute change of training camp from the US to Tijuana, Mexico, which he said “will affect us.” However, he expressed confidence in his players’ determination, adding, “But we Iranians make opportunities out of hardship.”

The press conference took place shortly after a surprise announcement of a peace deal between the US and Iran, bringing an “immediate and permanent” end to military operations.

The political backdrop has been a recurring theme, with star striker Mehdi Taremi noting, “I have felt the tension from the first moment we arrived at this World Cup… whenever at any tournament there is tension, of course, we don’t have the same beautiful experience that we always talk about, about peace, joy for the people of every country.”

Outside the team’s training session, anti-regime protestors gathered, chanting that the team does not represent the Iranian people. Larger demonstrations are anticipated at Monday’s match, with threats of the Iranian team walking off the pitch if anti-government banners are displayed. Iran, who have never progressed beyond the World Cup group stages, are in Group G alongside Belgium and Egypt.