Iran will begin its World Cup campaign against New Zealand on Monday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, with global attention focused on the politically charged match. The game marks the first time in history that a nation at war is competing on enemy soil during an ongoing conflict. Despite renewed hostilities between Iran and the United States, the Iranian team has managed to participate under difficult conditions, receiving conditional visas that require them to leave the US within 24 hours after each match.

Several Iranian officials, including the football federation president, were denied US visas, and reports claim that tickets allocated for Iranian supporters were canceled to prevent them from attending. The team will wear jerseys marked with the number 168, commemorating victims of a missile strike on Minab School, which Iran blames on the US. Iran enters the tournament in strong form after recent wins over Costa Rica, Mali, and Gambia, aiming to advance beyond the group stage for the first time. New Zealand, returning to the World Cup after three editions, also seeks a memorable comeback following victories against Ivory Coast and Chile.

The match is expected to draw intense attention both for its sporting significance and its geopolitical backdrop.