Iran’s national football team could benefit from the recent peace agreement between Tehran and Washington after facing major travel challenges during the FIFA World Cup. The development has raised hopes that Team Melli will receive smoother treatment for the remainder of the tournament.
The Iranian squad began its World Cup campaign while tensions between the United States and Iran remained high. Earlier this year, the conflict affected the team’s travel arrangements and visa process. Consequently, players received US visas only 10 days before their opening group-stage match against New Zealand in Los Angeles.
Moreover, Iran was forced to establish its base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, instead of Arizona. Players also had to leave the United States shortly after each match because of visa restrictions. These measures created significant logistical challenges throughout the tournament.
Political analyst Negar Mortazavi said the peace agreement could improve conditions for the Iranian team. She noted that US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about Iran reflected a shift toward diplomacy. Therefore, she believes the improved political climate could extend to sporting relations.
Mortazavi added that politics had clearly influenced the team’s World Cup experience despite football’s efforts to remain separate from political disputes. She expressed hope that the agreement would remove travel hurdles and encourage goodwill toward the Iranian delegation.
Meanwhile, a positive sign emerged when US authorities quickly reissued a multiple-entry visa for Iranian winger Mehdi Torabi after his previous visa expired.
However, political scholar Niki Akhavan urged caution over expectations. She warned that domestic political pressure in the United States could affect the implementation of the agreement. Nevertheless, observers believe the peace deal offers an opportunity to ease tensions and improve Team Melli’s World Cup experience in the weeks ahead.
