Iran Squad Arrives in Los Angeles for World Cup Match Against New Zealand

Iran's national soccer team arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday for its opening FIFA World Cup match against New Zealand on Monday. The squad will also face Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle, with all three Group G games staged in the United States. Coach Amir Ghalenoei said the team came to represent Iranians inside the country and the diaspora.

"I would like to let you know that we are here to play football and we are here to represent the respectful people of Iran, be it the Iranians inside Iran or the Iranian diaspora," Ghalenoei said through a FIFA interpreter at his prematch news conference.

Forward Mehdi Taremi, who has been capped over 100 times for Iran and plays for Olympiacos in the Greek Super League, echoed the message. "We are here to play football, and football can always unite all factions," Taremi said.

The arrival follows a reported peace deal reached Sunday between the United States, Israel, and Iran. S. and Israeli strikes on Iran began in February. Visa processing issues forced the team to move its training camp from Arizona to Mexico and blocked several staff members from entering the United States.

Los Angeles holds the largest Iranian population in the United States. Reports indicate tens of thousands could protest outside SoFi Stadium in Inglewood before Monday's match. Taremi said the players do not engage in politics.

"We do not get involved in politics. He added that the squad hopes for a strong performance against New Zealand. Ghalenoei repeatedly thanked reporters for questions about the training relocation and the challenges the team faced during preparations.