Iran take centre stage at World Cup as Spain make bow
Iran will take centre stage at the World Cup on Monday after arriving in the United States following a build-up shrouded by uncertainty due to war in the Middle East. The Iranian squad, whose preparations have been dogged by political tensions and visa issues arising from the US-Israel military strikes on Iran, face New Zealand […] The post Iran take centre stage at World Cup as Spain make bow appeared first on The Namibian .
Iran will take centre stage at the World Cup on Monday after arriving in the United States following a build-up shrouded by uncertainty due to war in the Middle East.
The Iranian squad, whose preparations have been dogged by political tensions and visa issues arising from the US-Israel military strikes on Iran, face New Zealand at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, a day after touching down in California on Sunday.
Iran were initially to be based in Tucson, Arizona for the tournament, but switched their training base to Tijuana, Mexico at the 11th hour as a result of ongoing tensions with World Cup co-hosts the United States over visa issues.
US authorities have refused to grant visas for several members of the Iranian delegation.
Protests are planned outside the stadium by members of the Iranian diaspora opposed to the nation’s hardline regime, and there have been threats that the Iran team could walk off the pitch if anti-government banners are displayed during the Group G clash.
