Football First: A Game, Not a Battle

The former star striker of Iran’s national team insists that sport should remain separate from politics, especially as his country gears up to face its longtime rival in a global tournament.

A Historic 1998 Encounter

He recalls the 1998 match—the first time Iran and the United States faced off in a World Cup—highlighting how players exchanged flowers before kickoff. Iran won 2‑1, and the teams later shared jerseys as a symbol that the field is above any political divide.

Current Journey to Los Angeles

Now, the team heads to Los Angeles for their opening match against New Zealand, hoping to reach the knockout stages for the first time in history. Due to visa issues that blocked some delegation members, they had to relocate their training base from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana.

No Signs of Political Interference

The former player observes no political interference in the current tournament, unlike 1998 when officials treated teams with more respect. He criticises the governing body for imposing strict controls, questioning why one country is treated differently from others.

Focus on Football

Despite criticism that the squad represents government interests, he insists they focus solely on football and its spirit. He reminds fans that a player represents his nation, not any political agenda.