World Cup Fever Muted in Iran Under Shadow of War and Hardship
In a Tehran neighbourhood dotted with shops selling football jerseys and sporting goods, 10-year-old Helma was already feeling World Cup fever. "I'm supporting Iran because it's always the champion!" she said, sporting a bracelet in the green, white and red of the national flag. "This year, it will be number one out of all the countries!" Holding a shopping bag containing a national team jersey, her mother explained that Helma was set to appear in a video clip supporting Iran's side, adding: "We came to buy Team Melli outfits for the shoot."
But after weeks of war with Israel and the United States — one of the co-hosts of this year's tournament — not to mention persistent economic hardship and stuttering efforts to bring the conflict to a final close, not every Iranian shares the grade-schooler's excitement.
At a shop in the same district, 17-year-old employee Houman said Portugal jerseys were the bestsellers, with Spain and Brazil also popular. "This World Cup is different for Iranians," he said. "I don't see the same enthusiasm as past editions."
Coverage Comparison
Both Africa News and Dawn reported on the muted enthusiasm among Iranians for the World Cup, attributing it to the ongoing war and economic hardship. Their coverage highlighted the contrast between a young fan's excitement and the general public's subdued mood. Both outlets noted Team Melli's challenges, including US visa issues and the team's base change to Mexico, as well as Iran's first match against New Zealand in Los Angeles.
Africa News emphasized the emotional toll, using quotes from Iranians expressing sadness and detachment. Dawn, while also neutral, focused more on visual elements, including a handout photograph of the national team at Antalya Airport and a street vendor holding a replica of the FIFA World Cup Trophy.
Key Claims
The 10-year-old Helma's support for Iran stems from her belief that Iran is always the champion. Her mother said they were buying Team Melli outfits for a video shoot supporting the team.
Iranians are lacking enthusiasm for the World Cup due to war and economic hardship. As reported by both Africa News and Dawn, this is attributed to US-Israeli strikes and an economic crunch defined by hyperinflation and currency freefall. The government described anti-government protests earlier in the year as foreign-backed riots, which rights groups say were met with a deadly crackdown.
Team Melli has faced challenges, including US visa issues. Iran's squad has had to change its base for the tournament to Mexico, and even with the visas, they must enter and leave US soil on the same day as any match, Tehran's ambassador to Mexico said Saturday.
Iran's first World Cup match will be played in Los Angeles against New Zealand.
A handout photograph shows Iran's national football team posing at Antalya Airport in Turkiye before boarding a plane ahead of their departure to Mexico for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, taken and released by Iran Football Federation Press Office on June 6, 2026.
A street vendor was photographed holding a reproduction of the FIFA World Cup Trophy near the San Ysidro Port of Entry in Tijuana, Mexico.
Shervin, a 42-year-old photographer from Tehran, finds it difficult to get excited about the football due to the current situation in Iran. "In Iran, no one truly cares about football," he was quoted as saying, reflecting a broader sense of detachment.
Mohammad Pahlevan, an 18-year-old high school student, thinks Team Melli got lucky with its draw and can make it out of the group stage.
Ali, a self-professed football fanatic from Tonekabon, feels no excitement at all for the upcoming tournament after decades of fandom. His sentiments echo the prevailing mood among many Iranians.
Perspectives
- Young Fans: 10-year-old Helma represents a younger generation that retains enthusiasm for the national team, believing Iran will be champion. Her excitement contrasts sharply with the general public's mood.
- General Public: Many Iranians, including Shervin and Ali, express deep disappointment and lack of interest due to the war and economic hardships. Their views reflect a national sentiment of wariness and weariness.
- Observers of Team Melli: Houman, a shop employee, notes a decline in enthusiasm compared to past tournaments, as evidenced by the popularity of foreign team jerseys. Mohammad Pahlevan, a student, sees potential for the team to advance, showing a sliver of optimism.