‘We’re here to play football’, Iran downplays protest ahead New Zealand opener

Vanguardngr | 16-06-2026 04:04am |

Iran's head coach Amir Ghalenoei and prominent forward Mehdi Taremi have emphasized the team's commitment to focusing on football as they prepare for their opening match against New Zealand in the FIFA World Cup. Despite the backdrop of ongoing political unrest and the possibility of protests, both Ghalenoei and Taremi expressed their intention to represent all Iranians on the global stage. The squad aims to channel their energy into their performance on the field, prioritizing the sport amidst the challenging circumstances.

Stay Updated with the Latest News!

Don't miss out on breaking stories and in-depth articles.