Iran's Captain Taremi Laments Tense Atmosphere Ahead of World Cup Clash with New Zealand

Captain Mehdi Taremi, who plays for Olympiacos Piraeus at club level, described the mood in clear terms: "I've felt the tensions from the very first moment, since we arrived at this World Cup," he said according to the official translation. Taremi also reported that he had been part of three World Cups and emphasized: "I've been to three World Cups, and they always say that as soon as you step off the plane and enter the host country, there's just a unique atmosphere of friendliness and cosmopolitanism" – he said he had missed that sense of anticipation this time.

Travel Under Difficult Conditions

Coach Amir Ghalenoei picked up on the thought and expressly thanked the host nation Mexico: "Of course, it affects us. I want to thank the good people of Mexico. But we Iranians are used to making opportunities out of difficulties, and we think of nothing but bringing joy to the people." Taremi added that he knew other countries had also struggled with visa problems.

According to Iranian state television, 15 members of the delegation were denied visas, which the broadcaster condemned as "political interference in sport in its worst form." The Iranian Football Federation spoke of "arbitrary and discriminatory treatment of the Iranian team" and published photos purportedly showing the squad upon their arrival in the USA. In addition, the US side had revoked tickets originally allocated to Iran for the group stage matches.

FIFA Stays Out of the Conflict

FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously assured the Iranian team of his support, declaring in advance "that I will come to Tehran and take them to the tournament by bus if I have to." In the end, the team travelled to North America without this assistance. During the press conference itself, a FIFA spokesperson intervened when a journalist asked about possible protests in the stadium.

Shortly before the media session began, it became known that the USA and Iran had reached a preliminary agreement to end the Iran war after weeks of negotiations. The hostilities between the two states had begun in late February, and mutual shelling had intensified again just before the start of the tournament. A FIFA spokesperson stated that Taremi and Ghalenoei would only answer sport-related questions and that the ceasefire had not been a topic at the press conference.

Preliminary Agreement on the Sidelines of the Tournament

The opening match against New Zealand will be played in the night to Wednesday at 3:00 AM CEST and can be seen on German television on Servus TV. The Iranians will also face Belgium and Egypt in Group G, with all matches taking place on the US West Coast – over 12,000 flight kilometers from home.

Taremi apologized for the mandatory appointment at the World Cup stadium south of Los Angeles starting roughly 15 minutes late and explained according to the translation: "We left Tijuana at 10:00 a.m. and flew out at 3:00 p.m." On Friday, a body had also been found in the trunk of an SUV in the immediate vicinity of the Iranian training grounds in Tijuana.