Iran World Cup Team Faces Challenges and Support in Tijuana

The Iranian soccer team is staying at a hotel in Tijuana, Mexico, amid heightened security measures. Their hotel entrance is secured with barricades and guarded by police and the Mexican National Guard. Access requires a reservation or special permission.

Despite these conditions, the atmosphere inside the hotel is joyful. Fans are excited to see their team before they continue their World Cup journey. Many supporters, including children, cheer for the team as they leave for their next game.

One fan, Lucas Zarrabi, 13, expressed his enthusiasm for Iranian soccer. He attended their match against New Zealand and has tickets for the upcoming game against Belgium. He, along with others, traveled from Los Angeles and other locations to support the team.

Supporters mention the challenges faced by the Iranian team. They had to relocate their base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana due to visa issues for officials. The U.S. denied their requests for early arrival before matches and requires them to leave immediately after games.

“Every little technicality is making it difficult for the team,” said Abbas Eftekhari, an Iranian-born fan living in the U.S. for over 40 years.

The Iranian soccer federation plans to file a complaint with FIFA regarding these difficulties. The federation’s secretary-general, Hedayat Mombeini, emphasized that football should remain separate from politics.

Ali Eslami, a dedicated fan, visits the hotel gates regularly, offering encouragement to players. He described his experiences as deeply emotional, having not seen the team perform in 50 years.

Some fans face criticism within the Iranian diaspora for supporting the team, but their presence in Tijuana is for the love of soccer, not political reasons. Eftekhari noted the impact of political tensions on the players during their first match.

As Sunday approaches, excitement builds. Flight attendants from China, staying at the same hotel, join in the celebrations by wearing jester hats and waving scarves. Local Tijuana soccer enthusiasts also participate, welcoming the team with enthusiasm.

The Iranian ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, highlighted Iran’s diplomatic ties with Mexico. He suggested relocating the team’s matches there due to these relations.

Leonardo Ramirez Lopez, a young soccer fan from Tijuana, eagerly collects autographs. Iran has quickly become his third-favorite team, following Colombia and Argentina.

As the players exit the hotel, fans cheer loudly. The team acknowledges their supporters, signing autographs. Each player kisses a Quran before departing for the airport.