Qalehnoei: We represent great, powerful Iran at World Cup

Pars Today – The head coach of Iran’s national football team said in a pre-match press conference ahead of the game against New Zealand that he hopes football can become a means of bringing countries and cultures closer together.

According to Pars Today, citing IRIB News Agency, Iran’s national football team will play its first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup early Tuesday morning at 4:30 a.m. Tehran time in Los Angeles against New Zealand.

Amir Qalehnoei, head coach of Iran’s national team, stated in the press conference: “I am very happy that we are present at the World Cup representing the great and powerful country of Iran, and I hope football becomes a means of bringing nations and cultures closer together.”

He added: “We are here to play on behalf of the great Iranian nation. We are only thinking about football. We are not politicians, and football is separate from politics.”

Responding to a question about travel difficulties to the United States, Qalehnoei said that due to these issues the team’s camp was relocated twice, but he expressed appreciation to the people and government of Mexico. He added that Iranians turn hardships into opportunities and that they are focused only on bringing joy to the Iranian people.