Few teams have ever arrived at a World Cup shouldering a heavier political burden than Iran. Striker Mehdi Taremi has spoken candidly about the atmosphere engulfing the squad ahead of their Group Stage opener against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Monday.

"This kind of tension undermines the joy of the World Cup," Taremi said. "I felt the tension from the first moment we arrived. The tension started even before we got here."

Disruption before kick-off

Iran's preparations have been anything but straightforward. Visa difficulties, security concerns, and the fractious political climate between Iran and the host nation — the United States — forced the team to abandon their original base camp in Tucson, Arizona. They relocated to Tijuana, a Mexican border city, after months of uncertainty.

Iran manager Amir Ghalenoei acknowledged to the BBC that the upheaval had taken a toll on the squad's preparation. "Without any doubt, this kind of behaviour has impacted the spirit of football," he said. "Football is supposed to bring nations and cultures together. It is about bringing joy. These conditions have affected our focus, but I have tried to make sure the players concentrate on strategy and performance."

Ghalenoei added that the team arrived late and had limited time to settle. "But I know how committed these players are to performing," he said.

An agreement to halt hostilities between the two countries and reopen the Strait of Hormuz was announced on Sunday, offering some relief — but tensions remain far from resolved.

A diaspora divided

Los Angeles — long nicknamed "Tehrangeles" for its large Iranian-American community — provides a charged backdrop for the match. Many members of the diaspora plan to attend, though not all to cheer.

Activist Arezo Rashidian, who is helping organise demonstrations outside SoFi Stadium, criticised FIFA's ban on the pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag. "You don't come to Los Angeles and tell us we can't fly the Lion and Sun flag," she said. "This is the largest Iranian community outside Iran. Many of us came here after the revolution. We're opposing FIFA's ban and standing in solidarity with the people of Iran."

Rashidian acknowledged the pressure facing the players, even as she prepares to protest. "We understand the pressure they're under," she said. "We'll carry our colours. We'll cheer for Iran — the country — held captive by the Islamic Republic."

Players insist football comes first

Taremi was clear about where his team's focus lies. "As players of the national team, we play for every single Iranian, whether in the diaspora or in Iran," he said. "We are here to unite people and bring joy. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. We don't get involved in politics."

Investigative football journalist Samindra Kunti was blunt about the scale of the challenge. "There is no winning for Iran's team," he said. "Given the circumstances, the political pressure, the location of the matches and the diaspora in Los Angeles, they're under enormous pressure. It's impossible to avoid the politics. Everything becomes a reminder of their situation."

Iran face pressure from multiple directions — from home, from the host nation, and from a diaspora intent on making its voice heard. All of it before a single ball has been kicked.