AP exclusive: Iran players describe how the war affects their World Cup preparations

Iranian World Cup players are facing unique challenges as their country is at war with the primary host nation. In interviews, midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi and another player described how the ongoing conflict affects their mental state and preparations. The team has been training in Turkey and faced delays in obtaining visas for their World Cup base in Mexico. Despite the difficulties, the players aim to represent their country and bring joy to the Iranian people. They are scheduled to play their first two games near Los Angeles, where they expect significant fan support.

Iranian national football players Saeid Ezatolahi and Mohammad Ghorbani are preparing for the World Cup amidst ongoing conflict between Iran and the US-Israel coalition. The war, which began in February and is currently under an uneasy ceasefire, has significantly impacted the team's preparations, including visa processing and training locations. Their matches are scheduled to be played in the United States, creating added pressure due to the political climate and the presence of a large Iranian diaspora. Despite these challenges, the players aim to represent their country and bring joy to the Iranian people through their performance. The team has received visas from the Mexican embassy and will travel to Mexico before their first match on June 14.