STONY BROOK, N.Y. (AP) — Iran has qualified for the World Cup, igniting excitement among fans like Arad Ershad, a graduate student from New York who grew up adoring the team. However, his enthusiasm has been dampened by the lack of support from players regarding recent government crackdowns on protesters in Iran.
Ershad stated, It feels so bad that I do not want them to succeed. They were like my icons, my legends. How can you just be silent? His feelings reflect a larger sentiment among the Iranian diaspora, as Iran's national team prepares for its World Cup debut against New Zealand in Los Angeles, which is home to the largest Iranian community outside of Iran.
Fans are divided in their attitudes towards Team Melli. Some believe the players are complicit in the regime’s actions and refuse to cheer for them, while others want to show their support with signs of protest during matches. There are also those who wish to purely enjoy the sport regardless of the political implications.
However, concerns loom over whether Iran will actually compete due to ongoing geopolitical tensions with the U.S. and Israel. Iranian officials have raised questions about their team’s participation, and President Donald Trump has discouraged their involvement, citing safety issues.
Meanwhile, supporters navigating their loyalty are contemplating how they can support the athletes without endorsing the regime. Shiva Amini, a former women's national team player, suggested that players who remain silent amid the ongoing repression are not representing the people but the government instead.
As the World Cup approaches, feelings in the community continue to oscillate between hopes for the team’s success and disillusionment with the political realities that overshadow the sport. For many, the potential for the team to win carries a bittersweet weight, ultimately questioning where true support should lie amidst ongoing repression.
