For Iran’s Athletes, There Is No Separating Sports From Politics
Key takeaways
- But for many Iranians, professional sports have always sat at an intersection between athleticism, identity, and politics.
- “I think it’s not fair,” says Iranian athlete Hadi Tiranvalipour about Iran’s team flying from Mexico to the US ahead of each match, although he’s not paying much attention to the World Cup this year.
- Tiranvalipour, like several prominent Iranian athletes, knows the dichotomy of pursuing his sporting dreams amid the backdrop of the nation he once represented.
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Illustration: Nadia Mèndez; Getty Images Comment Loader Save Story Save this story Comment Loader Save Story Save this story Iran’s national soccer team has made its 2026 World Cup debut amid a tumultuous backdrop: an abrupt and tentative ceasefire after months of war, an extraordinary set-up in Mexico after the US prevented the team from residing in-country between matches, and political uncertainty that has now expanded to the international stage.
But for many Iranians, professional sports have always sat at an intersection between athleticism, identity, and politics. From sporting defections and political activism to moments of immense national sporting pride, the trajectory of Iranian sports underscores what’s at stake this World Cup. The Iranian team, on Tuesday morning, drew 2-2 in their debut against New Zealand and will next face Belgium and Egypt, traveling to and from Mexico in between.
“I think it’s not fair,” says Iranian athlete Hadi Tiranvalipour about Iran’s team flying from Mexico to the US ahead of each match, although he’s not paying much attention to the World Cup this year.