More obstacles for Iran after NZ match

By Lithira Ekanayaka 

Following their opening fixture against New Zealand, which ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Iranian head coach Amir Ghalenoei voiced his frustration and criticised the U.S. authorities, stating that Iran is one of the most oppressed teams in the ongoing World Cup.

Despite the peace deal between the two nations, which came into fruition not more than 48 hours, the ongoing political and military tensions involving the United States and Iran have created heavily polarised views surrounding Iran’s participation in the tournament. 

The Iranian team was forced to move its training camp to Mexico, with the squad having to commute across the border into the United States before each of their group fixtures and leave immediately after every match, impacting the players’ recovery and rest. 

Subsequently, according to their coach and captain, the team is also missing part of its coaching staff and management team due to visa issues.

Moreover, the live coverage during the national anthem before kick-off captured mixed reactions from supporters and protesters. 

Despite FIFA’s restrictions on political symbols, some spectators were seen carrying Iran’s pre-revolutionary flag featuring the Lion and Sun emblem in an apparent protest against the country’s regime and in a call for change in Tehran.

Meanwhile, the alleged “gun” celebration made by Mohammad Mohebi after scoring Iran’s second goal to level the game at 2-2 has also sparked controversy across both social and mainstream media.