Iran's 'Commando-Style' World Cup Journey: How Tough Is the Road to 2026?

After visa hurdles, venue changes, and cross-border travel, Iran finally stepped onto the 2026 World Cup pitch. Star player Taremi admitted the team felt 'oppressed and nervous' upon landing in the US.

The 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers are in full swing, but Iran's campaign has been exceptionally arduous. Due to political and diplomatic factors, the Iranian team has experienced an unprecedented 'commando-style' participation in this qualifying round. From visa processing to accommodation arrangements and cross-border travel, every step has been fraught with uncertainty. First, visa issues became the biggest obstacle. Because of strict US sanctions against Iran, visa applications for players and coaching staff were repeatedly rejected or delayed. The team had to change itineraries at the last minute, detour to third countries for paperwork, and some players even missed crucial matches due to visa delays. This unpredictability severely disrupted the team's preparation rhythm. Second, frequent venue changes. Originally planning a training camp in Qatar, the team was forced to relocate to Oman due to local policy adjustments. However, Oman's training facilities were limited, and the team had to rent a school playground for practice. The head coach repeatedly complained in press conferences that players could not get systematic recovery and tactical drills. Cross-border travel was a nightmare. Iran's home matches were held in neutral countries, while away games required crossing multiple borders. For example, for the match against South Korea, the team first flew to Dubai, then transferred to Seoul, taking over 20 hours. Players were exhausted; Taremi said after the game, 'We are not playing football; we are running a marathon.' Despite this, Iran has shown tenacity. In a recent match against Uzbekistan, they won 2-1 thanks to Azmoun's last-minute goal, temporarily moving to second in the group. But fitness issues are mounting, with several key players suffering muscle strains. The medical team said continuous travel and jet lag have weakened the players' immune systems. The Iranian Football Federation has filed complaints with FIFA and the AFC, demanding fair participation rights. However, political factors make a quick resolution unlikely. For Iran, the road to the 2026 World Cup is not only a sporting challenge but also a test of diplomacy and willpower. Taremi wrote on social media: 'We fight for football, but sometimes things outside football are more exhausting.' This sums up the team's sentiment. With the World Cup expanded, whether Iran can break through depends not only on on-field performance but also on overcoming off-field obstacles.

Iran's 'Commando-Style' World Cup Journey: How Tough Is the Road to 2026?

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