Iran national team demands better conditions from FIFA than those offered by the United States In the World Cup, Iran debuted with a draw against New Zealand. Iranian athletes and managers demanded better conditions from FIFA than those offered by the United States. It wasn't just football. Playing in a country with which you are at war brings many challenges, and the Americans have imposed a series of restrictions. The Iranian players got their visas at the last minute - just ten days before their debut. Some members of the technical committee were left without. The team's base, which would be set up in the American state of Arizona, then had to be changed at the last minute to Tijuana, Mexico. Iranians were only allowed to enter the United States 36 hours before each game. 📱Bookmark g1 on Google and follow the main news of the day All of this affected the players' preparation until the debut on Monday (15) in Los Angeles. The American city is home to the largest Iranian community outside the country. It could be important support for the selection. But this was the scenario before the game: protests. The flag with the lion and the sun was the flag of Iran before the Islamic Revolution of 1979, when Iran was ruled by a monarchy, the monarchy of the shahs. It is being used by Iranians living in Los Angeles as a symbol of protest against the Ayatollahs' regime and against Iran's participation in this World Cup. FIFA banned the flag in the stadium at the request of the Iranian federation. It didn't help. A lot of people joined her. "It's not about the flag, football, the team. It's a regime that has killed people who are asking for freedom in the streets. Even if they score 20 goals, what's the reason to celebrate?", asked a fan. World Cup: Iranian athletes and managers demand better conditions from FIFA than those offered by the USA National Newspaper/ Reproduction But not everyone was there to protest. “I’m in favor of a free Iran, but I’m here to support the people of Iran and the team,” said another Iranian fan. Inside the stadium, New Zealand took the lead with Just at the start of the game. Rezaeian equalized for Iran. Just scored another for New Zealand in the second half. But Mohebi left everything the same again. Despite the protests, Iranian fans supported the team at the stadium. But, in a sign that this was no ordinary debut, FIFA president Gianni Infantino went to the dressing room to talk to the Iranian team; stated: "I know what you're going through, I understand. But you are stronger than anything. That night, you united the whole stadium here in support of the team and you are sending a strong message to the whole world. Thank you." World Cup: Iranian athletes and managers demand better conditions from FIFA than those offered by the USA National Newspaper/ Reproduction Infantino heard from coach Amir Ghalenoei, in Persian, how difficult it was to be there: “We were the most attacked team in the World Cup because of the conditions and the effect they created for us, and that was an injustice for this team.” And Ghalenoei concluded with a request: “I hope FIFA acts a little more forcefully so that the team is no longer oppressed and disrespected.” Even after the conversation, the team captain, striker Taremi, complained about having to leave the country on the same day as the game, without rest time: “FIFA has to help us more than that”, he demanded. On the way back to Mexico, he and a team assistant had problems boarding because of documentation checks. They were released, but the process delayed take-off, which made the return after the game even more exhausting for the Iranians. On Sunday (21), this script repeats itself. Iran returns to Los Angeles for the second game of the World Cup. The Iranian Football Federation reported that player Mahdi Torabi had problems leaving because he received a visa for only one entry into the United States and that this visa was valid for a few hours. The federation said that everything was resolved, that he received a new visa that allows multiple entries from now on. GloboPop: click to see videos from the Jornal Nacional stage READ ALSO Home of Jornal Nacional at the World Cup is in the heart of Manhattan Island, in New York Discover Globo’s latest coverage of the 2026 World Cup Special series on the essence of Brazilian football highlights the talent of our players Carlo Ancelotti's path to the Brazilian national team is full of achievements; get to know