Taremi on World Cup Debut: 'Let's Make Iranians Happy, Football Brings Peace'

As Iran's national football team gears up for their opening match against New Zealand in the 2026 World Cup, striker Mehdi Taremi has called for unity and optimism among Iranians worldwide. Speaking at a press conference, Taremi represented the team's sentiment, highlighting football's potential to foster national pride and happiness.

Taremi stressed that the team's focus is on the sport, not politics, stating, "We want to make all Iranians around the world proud and happy. Football can unite our country." This message comes amidst FIFA's recommendations for teams and media to avoid political statements during the tournament.

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All have the right to their own opinion, but we are here for football, not politics. We want to make all Iranians around the world proud and happy. Football can unite our country.

The Olympiacos forward acknowledged that the current atmosphere surrounding the World Cup could be better. He expressed hope for future improvements, noting that tensions detract from the usual excitement and undermine the unifying message of football. "Even before we arrived, people did not have that usual feeling of excitement and anticipation for a World Cup," Taremi added, suggesting that prevailing tensions diminish the joy associated with the event.

Taremi's remarks underscore a desire to use the global platform of the World Cup to bring people together, emphasizing the sport's power to transcend differences and promote peace. The team aims to create a positive experience for fans, regardless of their allegiances, through their performance on the field.

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This World Cup could have had a better atmosphere than it does now, but I hope things improve in the future for all fans, regardless of the team they support. Even before we arrived, people did not have that usual feeling of excitement and anticipation for a World Cup. The tensions reduce this joy and undermine the message that FIFA and all of us promote, that football brings peace.