Iran is preparing for the World Cup in unusual circumstances, with the squad training in Turkey while the country is affected by ongoing conflict involving the United States, the tournament’s primary host nation.
Two members of the national team spoke to The Associated Press during a training camp held in Antalya, a coastal resort area in Turkey. Media access to the team’s preparations has been limited, and players have rarely spoken with international journalists.
Several logistical changes have also affected their preparation period. The squad originally planned to train in Tucson, Arizona, but later relocated its base to Tijuana on the Mexican border due to difficulties in processing travel documents.
Players also made trips to Ankara to apply for visas at the US embassy, while Mexico eventually issued the necessary permits, allowing the team to continue their preparations and upcoming travel plans.
Ezatolahi on mental pressure and expectations
Midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi, 29, who is preparing for his third World Cup appearance, said the situation has made preparation difficult while acknowledging that his experience may help him handle the pressure.
He explained, “Well, to be honest, it’s not easy,” and added, “That’s going to be my third World Cup.” So for me and some of the other players, it might be easier to manage these kinds of things,” noting that experience can ease some of the burden.
However, he stressed that external circumstances are still affecting the squad, saying, “But at the end… it is going to be difficult for us because at the same time, we are following the news in our country and the political things, of course, can affect the mind of the players and the people.”
Ezatolahi also pointed to the added expectation from supporters, especially with matches taking place near Los Angeles, where a large Iranian community resides, saying the team hopes to make fans proud despite the pressure.
Ghorbani’s debut World Cup perspective
Mohammad Ghorbani, 24, who is preparing for his first World Cup, described the current situation as challenging but emphasized the need to focus on football responsibilities.
“It’s true that we are facing special circumstances right now, but we are football players, and we have to play, practice, and prepare ourselves for the competitions we have ahead,” he said in Farsi during the interview.
He also referenced difficulties faced by people back home during the conflict, adding that the squad intends to represent their country and aim for positive results that could bring joy to supporters.
Ghorbani said the team is motivated by unity and collective purpose, highlighting that their goal is to deliver happiness to fans through their performances on the global stage.
Travel arrangements, matches and added pressure
Iran’s squad is set to travel to Mexico before the tournament begins after completing their training period in Turkey. They are expected to continue preparations before entering the United States shortly before their opening match.
The team does not need to arrive in the US until 14 June, the day before their first group game against New Zealand, which will be played at the stadium used by the Los Angeles Rams in Inglewood.
Their schedule also includes a second match in Inglewood against Belgium on 21 June, followed by their final Group G fixture in Seattle against Egypt on 26 June.
Ezatolahi noted that playing in Los Angeles, where many members of the Iranian diaspora live, could create a highly charged atmosphere, increasing expectations on the squad while also providing motivation to perform well.