- Iran's football team is facing significant challenges at the World Cup 2026, with captain Mehdi Taremi stating that the war with co-host the US has undermined the usual joy and peace associated with the tournament.
- The team's preparations were disrupted by the conflict, leading to their training camp being relocated from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, and subsequent logistical problems including visa denials for delegation members and issues with match tickets.
- Coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed concern that these conditions negatively impact the team's spirit and technical focus, despite efforts to concentrate on strategy, with travel from Mexico to US match venues proving arduous.
- The conflict began on 28 February with US missile strikes on Iran, resulting in the death of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, though a peace deal was announced by president Donald Trump on Sunday.
- Taremi affirmed that the team plays for all Iranians, both domestically and in the diaspora, and aims to unite people through football, explicitly stating that they do not get involved in politics.
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