Iran players discuss World Cup preparations amid ongoing conflict
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 4, 2026, 2:13 PM
Last updated Jun 4, 2026
Iran's national soccer team continues its preparations for the World Cup in Turkey, facing unique challenges as the country is at war with the primary host nation. Players Saeid Ezatolahi and Mohammad Ghorbani conveyed their emotional struggles, noting that the ongoing conflict impacts their mental focus. The team has relocated its training base from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, due to visa processing issues. Iran's first match is scheduled against New Zealand on June 15 at a stadium in Los Angeles, which has a sizeable Iranian community. Expectations are high as the players aim to make their compatriots proud amidst challenging circumstances.
- •Iran trains in Turkey for World Cup amidst war conditions.
- •Ezatolahi emphasizes the pressure to succeed for the Iranian people.
- •Training base moved from Tucson to Tijuana due to visa issues.
- •First match is against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles.
- •Players seek to bring joy to Iranians during difficult times.
- 2:13 PMYahoo Sports — Iran footballers describe how war with US-Israel affects their World Cup
- 12:32 PMESPN Soccer — Iran players: U.S. politics, war affect WC prep
- 9:08 AMYahoo Sports — AP exclusive: Iran players describe how the war affects their World Cup preparations
"Iran is heading to the World Cup while the country is at war with the primary host nation, a situation that is unique in the tournament’s history. In exclusive interviews with The Associated Press during a team camp in Turkey, two members of Iran’s squad described how the conflict is affecting its World Cup preparations. “Well, to be honest, it’s not easy,” said Saeid Ezatolahi, a 29-year-old midfielder who also played for Iran in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
"Iran midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi admitted on Wednesday that preparing for the FIFA World Cup in Turkiye while his country is at war with the primary host nation has been a mental challenge.
"Iran national players Saeid Ezatolahi and Mohammad Ghorbani talk about how war is overshadowing a World Cup dream.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 4, 2026, 2:13 PMIran footballers describe how war with US-Israel affects their World Cup
Iran national players Saeid Ezatolahi and Mohammad Ghorbani talk about how war is overshadowing a World Cup dream.
- ESPN SoccerJun 4, 2026, 12:32 PMIran players: U.S. politics, war affect WC prep
Iran midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi admitted on Wednesday that preparing for the FIFA World Cup in Turkiye while his country is at war with the primary host nation has been a mental challenge.
- Yahoo SportsJun 4, 2026, 9:08 AMAP exclusive: Iran players describe how the war affects their World Cup preparations
Iran is heading to the World Cup while the country is at war with the primary host nation, a situation that is unique in the tournament’s history. In exclusive interviews with The Associated Press during a team camp in Turkey, two members of Iran’s squad described how the conflict is affecting its World Cup preparations. “Well, to be honest, it’s not easy,” said Saeid Ezatolahi, a 29-year-old midfielder who also played for Iran in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
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