Amid War, Iran’s Soccer Leader Works to Get His Team to the World Cup
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Iran’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup in North America have been complicated by ongoing war, hostile rhetoric, and visa uncertainties for the national team.
- Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s soccer federation and former IRGC commander, blames the United States for the difficulties surrounding Iran’s participation in the tournament.
- To reduce time spent in the U.S. amid tensions, Iran’s team will base itself in Tijuana, Mexico, a last-minute change made in coordination with FIFA after discussions in Turkey.
- Iran was among the first teams to qualify for the expanded 48-team World Cup, which is the first to be hosted by three countries including a nation at war with one of the competitors.
- These geopolitical challenges have disrupted Iran’s World Cup preparations and put the team at a disadvantage compared to other participants.