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AP exclusive: Iran players describe how the war affects their World Cup preparations
- FIFA approved the FFIRI's request to switch Iran's World Cup base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, with Team Melli arriving on Sunday, June 7.
- Geopolitical tensions following United States and Israeli airstrikes on the Islamic Republic in February complicated travel, as the United States and Canada designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a "terrorist entity."
- United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Tuesday that Washington had "no problem" with the team entering, though he cautioned against allowing non-athletes with IRGC ties to accompany the delegation.
- Following a final friendly against Mali on Thursday, the squad will commute from Mexico for Group G matches against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21.
- FFIRI President Mehdi Taj said on Monday that players expected Mexican visas this week, adding "and then a US visa will be issued quickly," though official confirmation remains pending.
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Iran players open up on World Cup preparations amid ongoing war
Tehran: Iran is heading to the World Cup while the country is at war with the primary host nation, a situation that is unique in the tournament’s history. In exclusive interviews with The Associated Press during a team camp in Turkey, two members of Iran’s squad described how the conflict is affecting its World Cup preparations. “Well, to be honest, it’s not easy,” said Saeid Ezatolahi, a 29-year-old midfielder who also played for Iran in the 20…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources71
Leaning Left22Leaning Right10Center16Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Left
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources lean Left
46% Left
L 46%
C 33%
R 21%
Factuality
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