Football First: A Game, Not a Battle

The former star striker of Iran’s national team says the sport should stay out of politics, especially as his country prepares to face its longtime rival in a global tournament. He speaks about the 1998 match that marked the first time Iran and the United States played each other in a World Cup, recalling how players exchanged flowers before kickoff. In that game Iran won 2‑1, and the teams later shared jerseys as a sign that the field is above any political divide. 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.They have had to move their training base from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana after visa issues blocked some of the delegation’s entry. The former player says he sees no signs of political interference during the current tournament, unlike in 1998 when officials treated teams with more respect. He criticises the governing body for allowing such strict controls, asking why one country is treated differently from others. Despite criticism that the squad represents government interests, he insists they focus solely on football and the game’s spirit. He reminds fans that a player represents his nation, not any political agenda.