The Iran football team has arrived in the United States for its opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with head coach Amir Ghalenoei expressing hope that the squad can bring happiness and pride to Iranians around the world.
The Iranian team landed at Los Angeles International Airport after travelling from its temporary base camp in Tijuana, Mexico. The arrival came on the same day that reports of a newly announced peace agreement between Iran and the United States emerged, adding a significant backdrop to the team’s World Cup journey.
Speaking at a press conference, Ghalenoei said representing Iran was a great honour and that football could help build connections between nations and cultures. He emphasised that the players and coaching staff were focused only on football and wanted to represent all Iranians, including those living abroad.
Iran’s opening World Cup match against New Zealand will take place at Los Angeles Stadium. The fixture carries extra attention as the two teams have never previously faced each other in a World Cup tournament.
The Iranian squad had earlier shifted its training base from Arizona to Mexico following rising tensions involving Iran and the United States. The team is now required to travel between Mexico and the US for its group-stage matches. Ghalenoei said travel challenges and visa issues affecting some federation members had created difficulties for the squad.
Before leaving Tijuana, Iranian players received strong support from fans gathered outside their hotel. Supporters chanted for Team Melli, the nickname of Iran’s national team, while many players waved and thanked the crowd.
The Iranian community in Los Angeles, known for its large diaspora population, is expected to provide significant support during the tournament. The 2026 World Cup marks a historic moment as it is the first edition of the competition where a host nation is scheduled to face a country it is involved in conflict with.
