Iran's World Cup Squad Lands in Los Angeles While Nation's War With US Still Technically Ongoing
France 24—Iran's national football team arrived in the United States to compete in the 2026 World Cup even as the country's conflict with the US had not yet been formally resolved, underscoring the unusual diplomatic backdrop of the tournament. The squad received an enthusiastic send-off from fans in Tijuana before crossing into Los Angeles for their group stage opener. Their presence in the country carrying their national flag draws attention to the separation between athletic competition and the military and political tensions playing out simultaneously.