U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Announced Hours Before Iran’s World Cup Match
The agreement ended military operations between the two countries on June 14. Iran's national team faces New Zealand the next day in Inglewood amid entry restrictions and training disruptions.
Le MondeA peace deal between the United States and Iran was announced on June 14, bringing an immediate and permanent end to military operations on all fronts. Iran's national soccer team plays its opening World Cup match against New Zealand on June 15 at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood. Iran's Group G also includes Belgium and Egypt.
Iran has never reached the knockout rounds of a World Cup. The team's press conference took place on June 14, roughly one hour after the peace deal announcement. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei spoke next to forward Mehdi Taremi.
Ghalenoei said political tensions and visa issues damaged Iran's preparations. The United States refused to issue visas for some Iran national team support staff. Somali referee Omar Artan was also denied entry to the United States for the tournament.
Iran's original training camp in the United States was changed twice, first moved to Tijuana, Mexico. Ghalenoei said the team arrived late and lacked time to adjust. "We arrived late, and we didn't have enough time to adjust...
It will affect us, but God willing, I know that my players are very determined to do their utmost and show the highest quality," Ghalenoei said. "Of course, our camp was changed twice, first it was in the United States, then we were transferred to Mexico and of course that impacts us," he added. Ghalenoei said the team would not focus on external issues.
"We are here to perform a good match, a high-quality match. We don't pay attention to any of the hype and anything that goes on around us," he said. "Naturally, all teams have their own problems, and in many countries, many things happen that have nothing to do with football," Ghalenoei stated.
