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REVEALED: Team melli | Vintage Vibes

Iran players depart unwelcoming World Cup, jeered by US official but saluted by fans

In a World Cup co-hosted by a country waging war on their homeland, the odds were always stacked against Iran’s Team Melli, who narrowly missed out on the knockout stage despite being undefeated. Their players departed North America on Tuesday, mocked by a senior official in the Trump administration but…

France 24

Land of the free kick: For Iran, it's 90 minutes of football and six hours of border crossing

Iran's football team drew 2-2 with New Zealand in Los Angeles amidst significant logistical challenges and political undertones. Players faced immediate travel to Mexico post-match, with coach Ghalenoei criticizing the lack of recovery time. The tournament has seen multiple teams complain about stringent security and restrictive measures, impacting the athlete…

The Times of India

Iran held by New Zealand in World Cup opener overshadowed by politics

Iran twice came from behind to salvage a 2–2 draw against New Zealand in a World Cup opener overshadowed by geopolitical tensions, protests and months of conflict with the United States. The result leaves Team Melli still searching for a breakthrough on football's biggest stage.

France 24

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FIFA World Cup 2026: In Tijuana, Iran's tiny diaspora agrees on little - except Team Melli

Iran's national soccer team, Team Melli, is training in Tijuana, Mexico for the World Cup. This unusual choice comes amid visa challenges with the United States. The small Iranian community in Tijuana reflects broader diaspora divisions, particularly over national symbols. Despite political differences, support for the team remains strong as…

The Economic Times

For Iran’s diaspora, a tough World Cup call: To support the national team or protest – or both?

When Iran’s national soccer team walks onto American soil this summer for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it will do so against the backdrop of an Iranian government crackdown against protesters in January, an ongoing war launched by the U.S. and Israel in February, and a four-month digital blackout affecting…

The Conversation

Iran fans dismayed by team's World Cup visa quarrel

TIJUANA, Mexico - Iran's national football team was greeted on Sunday in Mexico by a small group of supporters eager to give them a warm start to the World Cup, despite visa problems facing some staffers.

Bangkok Post

NZ and Iran in World Cup limbo with LA story about more than football

Uncertainty has clouded the All Whites and Team Melli’s group stage opener to be held in Los Angeles on 15 June

The Guardian - AU

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Iran vs Nigeria LIVE: Friendly result and latest updates as Super Eagles win

Team Melli face the Super Eagles in Turkey

Evening Standard

Iran vs Qatar live stream: how to watch Asian Cup 2023 semi-final online from anywhere

Here's how to watch an Iran vs Qatar live stream and catch the 2023 Asian Cup semi-final from anywhere, with Mehdi Taremi set to return for Team Melli's clash with the tournament hosts.

TechRadar

Iran beat Japan 2-1 for a place in AFC Asian Cup 2023 semifinal

Iran scored a dramatic stoppage-time penalty to eliminate Japan from the Asian Cup and book a place in the semifinal.

Al Jazeera

What will happen to the Iran World Cup team now?

Even before the World Cup, male athletes had been joining in the protests. But now they’ve done so at the foremost global tournament, and Iranian fans say they are worried for ‘Team Melli’ and what they might face on their return. Ari Honarvar reports

The Independent UK

What will happen to the Iran World Cup team now?

The Independent UK

Fans say Iran vs USA game an opportunity for ‘stronger bonds’

For two fans at the World Cup, football is a reminder that individuals are more than the countries they come from.

Al Jazeera

Iran World Cup showdown with U.S. overshadowed by protests against Islamic regime

DOHA, Qatar — When Ramin Rezaeian scored his first World Cup goal to seal Iran's victory over Wales last week — just the country's second tournament win in 24 years — it should have been a moment of pure joy.

Los Angeles Times

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Sports Illustrated

U.S. World Cup Calculus Is Simple, Even If Iran Prelude Is Anything But

The U.S. knows it’s into the knockout stage with a win, but its prep has been derailed by a social media controversy and press conference that veered into the surreal.

The Independent UK

What will happen to the Iran World Cup team now?

Sports Illustrated

What Iran’s Win vs. Wales Means for USMNT’s World Cup Outlook

After Team Melli’s dramatic win against Wales, the United States faces England on Friday with a clearer picture of how to advance from Group B.

Al Jazeera

World Cup 2022: Wales vs Iran match preview

Veterans from both sides will hold the key in what could be a fast-paced, box-to-box match.

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Football London

Wales vs Iran prediction and odds as Gareth Bale and co aim to build on USA draw at 2022 FIFA World

The Inside Track brings you the best betting tips, odds and predictions as Wales prepare for their second group B clash where they face Iran who were thrashed by England in the opener

Wales Online

Wales vs Iran simulated to get a 2022 FIFA World Cup score prediction

Wales face Iran in the second game of their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign, so Wales Online simulated the clash to try and predict the final score.

Tribune News Service

Bobby Ghosh: Iran’s regime is already a big loser at the World Cup

There is a long tradition of authoritarian states using soccer’s World Cup to distract attention — domestic and foreign alike — from their tyranny. The Islamic Republic milked buckets of self-serving propaganda out of the national team’s participation in the quadrennial competition, never more than in 1998 when Iran beat…

Tribune News Service

Iran’s World Cup team shuns national anthem to back protests at home

Iran’s football team refused to sing their national anthem at their opening World Cup game against England on Monday, a gesture widely seen as a pledge of support for anti-government protests back home.

Sports Illustrated

Iran’s World Cup Presence Is One of Protest and Polarization

As tensions flare at home, there are factions who don’t think Iran should be at the World Cup at all, but Team Melli is there, and its stance is being projected to a global audience.

Sports Illustrated

England Dominates Iran With Six-Goal Show in Group B Opener

Bukayo Saka led the way with two goals for the Three Lions in a commanding 6–2 win over Team Melli to kick off their World Cup campaign.

The Guardian - UK

Jahanbakhsh accuses English media of trying to destabilise Iran at World Cup

The Iran captain said asking about the protests back home would undermine his team and did not confirm if the players will sing the national anthem

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