World Cup 2026: For Iran, politics and football collide again Submitted by John Duerden on Sun, 06/14/2026 - 23:40 Iran's World Cup history has often reflected the country's political turmoil. But as Team Melli begin their campaign the players face unprecedented pressures Iran's players celebrate after Ramin Rezaeian scored their side's second goal during a friendly against Gambia, in Antalya, southern Turkey on 29 May 2026 (Oner San/AFP) Off Iran 's World Cup history has long mirrored the country's upheavals, but the 2026 tournament is on a different level. Team Melli's opener against New Zealand comes just a day after US President Donald Trump said he had reached a deal with the Iranian government, signaling a potential end to the three-and-a-half month conflict.