Coach Amir Ghalenoei hopes football brings joy and unity as Iran prepares to face New Zealand.
Image: Nation Thailand
Iran’s national team arrived in the United States on Sunday ahead of its World Cup Group G opener against New Zealand in Los Angeles.
The arrival came on the same day a peace agreement between the US and Iran was announced, adding significance to the team’s visit.
Coach Amir Ghalenoei said he was proud to represent Iran and hoped football would bring happiness to people and strengthen ties between nations.
Iran had moved its World Cup base camp to Mexico due to security concerns and has been travelling to the US for matches. Ghalenoei said travel challenges and visa issues affected the team’s preparations.
He stressed that the players and coaching staff were focused on football, not politics, and aimed to represent Iranians both at home and abroad.
Before departing from Tijuana, the team received a warm farewell from supporters. Fans waved flags, chanted for Team Melli and expressed solidarity with the squad.
Los Angeles, home to one of the world’s largest Iranian communities outside Iran, is expected to provide strong support for the team during the tournament.
Iran will begin its World Cup campaign against New Zealand on Monday.
