The Iranian national men's football team arrived in Los Angeles on June 15, ahead of their opening match at the FIFA World Cup 2026 against New Zealand. The team touched down in the US just before a peace agreement was reached between the US and Iran.
Security was heightened around the team hotel, and the police cordoned off the area. However, the Iranian football team was met by a small group of anti-regime protestors at training, carrying banners criticising Iran's government.
Iran's coach Amir Ghalenoei brushed aside the ongoing political tensions, saying his team remains focused on the job at hand and will look to give it their best in the fixture against New Zealand.
A peace agreement was announced on Monday morning between the US and Iran, with US President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif making the announcement.
