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    Iran Coach Ghalenoei Sees Politics Affecting Preparations but Stays Focused on Football[/TITLE> Iran’s coach Amir Ghalenoei revealed on Sunday that political tensions and visa complications have disrupted his team’s World Cup preparations. He emphasized that his players will remain undistracted by the surrounding drama. Iran entered the tournament amid a diplomatic standoff when the United States, engaged in military conflict with Tehran, refused visas to certain team support staff. The team’s opening match against New Zealand in Los Angeles marks the first time a World Cup host will face a country with which it is at war. Members of the Iranian diaspora plan protests outside the stadium, opposing Iran’s hard‑line regime. They have warned that the team could walk off the pitch if anti‑government banners appear. “We are here to deliver a high‑quality match. We will not pay attention to the hype or any distractions,” Ghalenoei told AFP at a press conference. “Every team has its own challenges; in many countries, events unrelated to football occur.” He added that his squad’s purpose is to represent Iran respectfully, whether in Iran or abroad. “We are not political; football is separate from politics,” he said. The press conference followed shortly after a U.S.–Iran peace deal was announced, bringing a permanent halt to military operations on all fronts. Discussions about Iran’s situation have dominated headlines, but other political issues also affect the U.S. tournament, which is co‑hosted by Mexico and Canada. Somali referee Omar Artan and many fans were denied entry to the U.S. for the World Cup. Striker Mehdi Taremi noted that “it isn’t just Iran that has been impacted. Others, like the referee, have faced difficulties.” He said that the tension surrounding the tournament undermines the joy and peace that FIFA aims to promote through football. Taremi shared that he has felt this tension since arriving, stating that when tension exists, the tournament loses the beautiful experience it usually offers—peace and joy for people worldwide. Iran was initially slated to hold its training camp in the United States, but it was relocated to Tijuana, Mexico, at short notice. “We arrived late and had not enough time to adapt. It will affect us, but God willing we know our players are determined to give their best and show the highest quality,” Ghalenoei said. He added that the camp has been relocated twice, first from the United States to Mexico, and that this will have an impact. “Iranians always turn hardship into opportunity. We focus solely on giving our people joy, do our utmost, and leave the rest to God.” Iran has never reached the knockout stage of a World Cup. Group G also includes Belgium and Egypt.

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