The Iranian national soccer team is stationed at a hotel in Tijuana, Mexico, as they prepare for their next World Cup match. The hotel, protected by police and the Mexican National Guard, is located less than 150 miles from Los Angeles’ World Cup stadium.
Despite the security, fans of the Iranian team gather outside the hotel, eager to support their players. Among them is Lucas Zarrabi, a 13-year-old from Los Angeles who hopes to uplift the team with his presence. Others have traveled from as far as Miami and San Jose to join in solidarity.
The Iranian team faced several logistical hurdles after a war outbreak forced a relocation from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana. They encountered visa issues, with 11 of their officials unable to receive U.S. visas. Additionally, the U.S. mandated that Iran could not arrive early or stay beyond their matches, complicating their schedule.
Fans and supporters worry about the psychological toll these restrictions may have on the players. Abbas Eftekhari, a long-time U.S. resident from Iran, believes the situation could drain the team’s spirit. The Iran Football Federation echoed these sentiments and plans to file a complaint with FIFA.
Ali Eslami, dividing his time between Southern California and Tijuana, regularly visits the hotel to encourage the team. He reports that meeting the team has been an emotional experience for him, as he had not seen them play in 50 years.
While tensions are palpable, the atmosphere is not entirely defined by them. Some Iran fans express fears of backlash from others in the diaspora for supporting the team. Yet, they maintain that their support is about the love of soccer, not politics.
Tensions were evident in Iran’s initial match where fans and protesters clashed, causing concern about the effect on player morale. Despite these challenges, the Iranian team looks forward to the next stage of the World Cup.
A welcoming atmosphere extends beyond Iranian fans. Chinese flight attendants staying at the hotel embrace the festive mood, wearing jester hats and waving scarves. Tijuana locals express hospitality towards the team. Iran’s diplomatic ties with Mexico, where they hoped to hold group stage matches, provide some comfort.
Young fan Leonardo Ramirez Lopez, aged 10, eagerly waits with his autograph album, excited about the chance to collect signatures from the Iranian team.
After waiting for hours, fans cheer as players exit the hotel, each stopping to sign autographs and kiss a Quran before departing for their next match.