AP reports Iran players on how ongoing war affects World Cup preparations

What happened

The Associated Press reports from Turkey that Iran’s national football team is preparing for the FIFA World Cup under difficult conditions caused by an ongoing war with the main host nation, the United States. In exclusive interviews, players Saeid Ezatolahi and Mohammad Ghorbani described how the conflict weighs on their preparations and mindset amid political and public pressures.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure or battlefield claim should be read as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source. The team has spent over two weeks training in Antalya, Turkey, while waiting on visas and logistical arrangements that were disrupted by delays at US embassies. Originally planned to base their World Cup preparations in Tucson, Arizona, Iran’s training camp was shifted to Tijuana, Mexico, after visa issues delayed entry permits. Iran subsequently secured visas to enter Mexico and will travel there ahead of the tournament.

Iran is set to play its first two group games near Los Angeles, where a large Iranian diaspora community will be attending. Players acknowledge this adds pressure due to heightened expectations from fans, many of whom oppose the current Iranian government. Both Ezatolahi, a veteran with three World Cups, and first-timer Ghorbani emphasized they are playing not only for sporting success but to bring joy to their people amid the hardships of war.

Known from the source

• Iran’s national football team is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup during an ongoing war with the US-described coalition.
• Training has taken place in Antalya, Turkey for over two weeks prior to traveling to Mexico.
• Problems with US visa processing caused Iran’s World Cup training camp to shift from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico.
• The team has secured visas to enter Mexico and plans to travel there ahead of the tournament.
• Iran is in Group G with New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt and will play first two games near Los Angeles.

What remains unclear

The broader conflict context includes the US and Israel’s military campaign launched on February 28, targeting Iran’s leadership and strategic positions, with Iran retaliating against Israel, US forces, and Gulf Arab states, including control over the Strait of Hormuz. While a ceasefire is nominally in place, hostilities and strikes continue, complicating diplomatic and travel arrangements for the Iranian team.

What remains unclear: Exact dates and details of visa issuance and travel itinerary to Mexico for the Iranian team. Current status and scope of the ceasefire and ongoing military actions affecting Iran and the US-described coalition. Reported claims of war influence on player mindset and public expectations. Ensure player quotes are accurately translated and attributed.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: AP Iran. Open the source.