Published May 13, 2026
As the US and Israel’s war against Iran approaches its 12th week and US President Donald Trump declares his country will win the war “one way or another”, a sports complex in the US state of Arizona awaits the Iranian soccer team ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Tucson, an oasis of civilization in the Arizona desert, will be Team Meri’s base camp when the world’s biggest sports spectacle opens in the United States, Mexico and Canada next month.
“We’re really excited to have them here and we’re going to give them a positive experience,” Sarah Hanna, director of the Kino Sports Complex, where the team trains, told AFP news agency.
At the group stage venues of Los Angeles and Seattle, the grass is watered and mowed to FIFA-standard height to ensure there are no surprises when players take to the field.
Hotel rooms and meeting spaces are locked and security is tight.
“Right now, I’m probably averaging 12 to 20 meetings a week regarding this training facility,” Hanna said. “From meetings with food and beverage interests to numerous ground meetings where FIFA comes to check.”
The series of activities in Tucson comes against the backdrop of the war that began on February 28 when the United States and Israel attacked Iran, and in response the Iranian government launched attacks on military bases and energy facilities in the Middle East where Israeli and American forces are deployed.
Despite a month-long ceasefire, hostilities remain stubbornly unresolved, with Iran effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz and the United States imposing a naval blockade of Iranian ports.
FIFA insists the team will participate in the tournament as scheduled, and Tucson is preparing.
“As far as we’re concerned, it’s 100 percent on and it’s never been off,” Hannah said.
“Since they were identified as a team, we have been moving forward as our team, just like them, until FIFA told us otherwise.”
“We welcome them with open arms.”
Despite official statements, there are many uncertainties surrounding Iran’s participation.
On Friday, the president of the Iranian Football Federation announced that the team would take part, but set out a list of requirements, including the issuance of visas and the treatment of staff.
President Trump in March questioned the safety of his country’s players, saying teams were “welcome” to participate but that it might not be a good idea.
“For their own lives and safety, I simply do not believe it is appropriate for them to be there,” he wrote in a social media post that appeared to be threatening.
Tucson locals ignored the implied threat.
“Our president is known to be a little bit over-the-top with his social media usage,” said John Perlman, president of the local FC Tucson football club.
“I don’t think it’s the job of President Trump or any part of the government to make them feel unwelcome or unsafe. I think it would be the opposite.”
At the Kino Sports Complex, Iranian athletes will have access to the club’s weight training facilities, ice baths and massage tables.
“We welcome them with open arms,” Perlman said.
“We are part of the global football community. We are part of what FIFA is trying to do and believe that this game unites nations, not divides them.”
It’s a sentiment that resonates widely throughout this multicultural city of 540,000 people, who tend to vote for Democratic candidates.
“I hope they feel welcome here,” said Rob McClain, who plays indoor football.
“Despite the fact that what we’re doing is stupid,” he said of the military operation.
Iran’s World Cup squad and support staff are scheduled to arrive in Tucson two weeks before the tournament’s opening match, which will take on New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 and Belgium six days later.
Team Melli will face Egypt in their final Group G match on June 21 in Seattle.
