In Tijuana, Mexico, less than 150 miles from Los Angeles’ World Cup stadium, Iran’s soccer team finds its temporary home at a local Marriott hotel. Security around the hotel is tight, with police and members of the Mexican National Guard ensuring restricted access. Despite the surrounding challenges and tensions, the atmosphere inside the hotel is vibrant and optimistic.
A crowd of enthusiastic fans gathers at the hotel, eager to see the Iranian players before their next group-stage match. Among the supporters is 13-year-old Lucas Zarrabi from Los Angeles. Having attended the recent 2-2 draw with New Zealand, he is excited to cheer for Iran again in their match against Belgium.
Fans have traveled from across California and even as far as Miami to support the team. They express concerns about what they perceive as unfair conditions imposed on Iran by the U.S. After a war outbreak, the team had to relocate its base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana. Additionally, 11 team officials did not receive U.S. visas, limiting their movements around match schedules.
Abbas Eftekhari, an Iranian living in the U.S. for over 40 years, worries about the psychological and physical toll these restrictions may have on the team. Iran’s soccer federation openly discusses these issues and plans to file a complaint with FIFA. According to Hedayat Mombeini, Secretary-General of the Iran Football Federation, politics should not undermine football’s purpose.
Ali Eslami, a supporter from Southern California, visits every day to encourage the players. He describes this experience as particularly moving, having not seen his national team play in over 50 years. Despite some fans fearing backlash from the diaspora for supporting the team, they profess their love for soccer, not politics.
Before the match, a group of Chinese flight attendants at the hotel, wearing jester hats and waving flags, adds to the international aura. Meanwhile, local soccer enthusiasts in Tijuana show hospitality and excitement.
Iran has clear diplomatic ties with Mexico, unlike the U.S., making the choice to hold games in Mexico strategic. Ambassador Abolfazl Pasandideh shares his appreciation for the Mexican people and sees it as ideal to host matches there.
Enthusiastic 10-year-old Leonardo Ramirez Lopez, a soccer devotee from Tijuana, hopes to get autographs for his collection. Iran, his third-favorite team, already captures his interest even though he’s unfamiliar with their play style.
As fans await outside, Iranian players finally emerge from the hotel. Each greets the crowd, pauses for autographs, and ceremoniously kisses the Quran before boarding the bus to Tijuana’s airport. The fans cheer, chanting their support as the team continues its World Cup journey.
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