Iran striker Mehdi Taremi has stated that the controversy and disruption surrounding the national team's participation in the World Cup undermine Fifa's message of peace. He admitted feeling tension before arriving in Los Angeles on the eve of their opening match, just hours before a peace deal was announced. For the first time in the competition's history, a host nation has received a country with which it is at war.
On Sunday, Iran flew to Los Angeles from Tijuana, Mexico, where they had been relocated due to an ongoing visa dispute. They are expected to face opposition from some Iranians who believe the national team does not represent the country. Iran has encountered numerous problems in the buildup to the tournament, with several officials denied entry to the United States.
"This kind of tension undermines that joy and undermines the message of Fifa and our people, which is about football and bringing about peace," said Olympiakos forward Taremi. "I think this World Cup could have provided a better atmosphere than it has, and I hope in the future it will be better for all fans, whoever they support. It's not just Iran that has been impacted; others have been impacted, including referees. I have felt the tension from the first moment we arrived at this World Cup. Of course, we don't have the same beautiful experience we usually talk about – peace and joy. I know several countries had visa problems and changes of training camps. The tension exists – it did before the World Cup even started. The feeling and sensation people always have looking forward to a World Cup, I think this time they haven't had the same feeling."
Taremi and his teammates landed in Los Angeles after their plane's second attempt at landing. Upon arrival at their team hotel in Manhattan Beach, they were greeted by some Iranian protesters, most of whom are part of the 375,000-strong Iranian population in California, the largest outside Iran. A heavy police and security presence was evident, including drones, mobile surveillance, and sniffer dogs. A western area of Los Angeles centered on Westwood is nicknamed "Tehrangeles" due to the large Iranian diaspora. "Iran will be playing as locals in Los Angeles, in spite of it all," said Iran's head coach, Amir Ghalenoi.
Approximately 35,000 Iran supporters are expected for their Group G opener against New Zealand, and several are expected to protest against the team before the game. "We are here to play football and represent the respectful people of Iran, be it Iranians inside Iran or the diaspora," said Ghalenoi. "We are only thinking about our country. We're not political people, and Fifa's slogan is that football is separate from politics. We respect each and every one of the Iranians."
Ghalenoi acknowledged that the convoluted travel had affected their preparations. "We were supposed to start training earlier, but we arrived late and didn't have enough time to adjust. Of course, that will affect us. I know my players are determined to do their utmost. I hope the World Cup will go well despite the travel problems we've had. I hope it will not affect the quality of our play."
Iran reportedly passed through customs without issue but arrived about 20 minutes late for their pre-match press conference at So-Fi Stadium. "It wasn't our fault," Taremi said. "The players of the national team play for every Iranian. People have different opinions, but we are here as footballers to unite people and bring joy to all Iranians, irrespective of where they live. Everyone can have their own opinion. We are not here to get involved in politics; we are here to play football."
Ghalenoi was also asked about the absence of Sardar Azmoun amid reports of a perceived act of disloyalty to the government. Azmoun, who plays in the United Arab Emirates, reportedly angered his government by posting a photo of himself with the UAE ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum. Facilities in the UAE have been attacked by Iran during the conflict. "Sardar Azmoun is an excellent player and has done a lot for the national team, but he is not with us, and we wish he was. But this is football, sorry," Ghalenoi said.
An issue facing Fifa is the possibility of supporters bringing flags displaying the country's historical flag, featuring a lion and a sun, from before the Islamic revolution. The flag is banned from stadiums at the World Cup. A Fifa official shut down a question relating to the flag, saying it was not relevant to the game.
