Iran's coach discusses political impacts ahead of World Cup opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 12:23 AM
Last updated Jun 15, 2026
Iran's head coach Amir Ghalenoei addressed the political tensions and visa issues affecting his team's World Cup preparations during a press conference on June 15. The team is competing in the tournament amid a diplomatic dispute with the United States, which has hindered access for some support staff. Ghalenoei emphasized that his players will focus on the game and not the surrounding hype, as they aim to represent the people of Iran during their opener against New Zealand on June 16 in Los Angeles. The match marks a significant historical moment, being the first time a World Cup host faces a country it is in military conflict with.
- •Ghalenoei stated political issues affected team preparations.
- •Iran changed its training camp location from the US to Mexico.
- •Protests against Iran's regime are planned outside the stadium.
- •Iran aims to focus solely on football during the World Cup.
- •The team's opener is scheduled for June 16 against New Zealand.
- 12:23 AMYahoo Sports — Iran World Cup coach says 'impacted' by politics but ignoring 'hype'
"Iran's coach Amir Ghalenoei said on Sunday political tensions and visa issues have damaged his side's preparations for the World Cup but insisted his players will not "pay attention to any of the hype."We don't pay attention to any of the hype and anything that goes on around us," Ghalenoei said in a press conference in response to a question from AFP. "Naturally, all teams have their own problems, and in many countries, many things happen that have nothing to do with football."
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