Iran soccer team addresses protests ahead of World Cup opener
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 2:34 AM
Last updated Jun 15, 2026
Iran's coach Amir Ghalenoei and forward Mehdi Taremi emphasized that the team will play for all Iranians in the FIFA World Cup. They made the remarks as protests are anticipated during their opening match against New Zealand. The team's focus remains on soccer amidst the ongoing political unrest in Iran. The game is set to take place soon.
- •Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei speaks before World Cup match.
- •Forward Mehdi Taremi supports playing for all Iranians.
- •Protests are expected during the team's opening fixture.
- •Iran's first match is against New Zealand.
- 3:26 AMESPN — Iran team downplays protests: We aren't political
"Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei and forward Mehdi Taremi said that they will be playing for all Iranians at the FIFA World Cup, as the prospect of protests looms ahead of their opening fixture against New Zealand.
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