Iran's ability to attend the 2026 Cup was once questioned, after the country suffered the U.S. and Israel's attacks from 28/2, triggers the area's escalation tension. For the first time in nearly 100 years of the history of the World Cup, a nation that ran the tournament was in a conflict with a team who attended the tournament.

Iranian players in the boxing match won Gambia 3-1 at Mardan Sports complex, Antalya, Turkey May 29, 2026. Image: Reuters

"That would certainly be very difficult for us because the players kept watching the news from home. Political issues can affect the player's psychology as well as the people's", Jervis directed Ezatolahi's lyrics on June 3.

Ezatolahi, who had previously attended the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, while teaming Iran for training in Turkey, England and his teammates had settled here for over two weeks, mainly training in the city of Antalya. Some members also traveled to the capital of Ankara to complete visa requirements at the American Embassy.

Iran's preparatory process for the 2026 World Cup was kept secret, with very little opportunity for international media access to players.

Says the entire team member has completed the immigration procedure.

Advocates associated with visas caused Iran's stationed location before the World Cup to move from Bangalore, Arizona (US), to Mexico's city of Tijuana, which is located adjacent to the California state border.

Iran will compete for the first two games near Los Angeles, where there is a large Iranian community, in which many oppose the current government in Tehran.

"We'll certainly get a very large cheer on the stands," said Ezatolahi. "It will also be pressure by expectations for the team very high. I just wish we could make them proud and prove that the Iranians are always ready to face difficult challenges."

Members of Iran's national football team attended the departure ceremony before leaving for the 2026 World Cup in Tehran on January 13, 2026. Image: Reuters*

Mohammad Ghorbani, preparing to attend the first World Cup in his career. "It is true that we are experiencing special circumstances, but we are football players. Our mission was to compete, practice and prepare for the game ahead", the player who was playing football at Abu Dhabi said.

Twenty-four-year-old quarterback added that the entire team understood the difficulties that the Iranian people were facing over the years. "We come to this tournament for his people, with the goal of winning the best results to bring them joy and to the country," said Ghorbani.

According to the competition schedule, Iran had to enter the U.S. only on June 14, a day before the G-board battle met New Zealand on Los Angeles Rams' yard in Inglewood. The team would then continue to compete with Belgium at the Inglewood on June 21, before closing the board by match to Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

"I'm proud to be wearing a national team", Ezatolahi added. "We need to get rid of our external thoughts in order to maintain the best spirit. The goal and responsibility of the team is to fight for the people, represent the country and express his ability".

Ghorbani also emphasized the team's spirit of unity: "The greatest message the Iranian team wants to send now is the meaning of unity. We are a group under the same flag, which can bring joy to the country and show the world the power of players as well as the people of Iran".

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Tuesday, June 16, 2026

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