Amid US-Iran Tensions, Arizona City Welcomes Iranian Soccer Team

As the US-Israeli war against Iran enters its 12th week and President Donald Trump declares America will win “one way or another,” a sports complex in Arizona is preparing to host the Iranian national soccer team for training before the FIFA World Cup.

Tucson, a cultural oasis in the Arizona desert, will be the base for “Team Melli” when the world’s biggest sporting event kicks off across the US, Mexico, and Canada next month.

“We’re very excited to have them here and will provide a positive experience,” Sarah Hanna, director of the Kino Sports Complex where Iran will train, told AFP.

The grass is being watered and cut to FIFA standards to ensure players face no surprises when they take the field in Los Angeles and Seattle for their group-stage matches. Hotel rooms and meeting spaces are booked, and security is tightened.

“Right now, I have about 12 to 20 meetings a week related to this training facility,” Hanna said, “from food and beverage vendors to lots of meetings with FIFA coming to inspect.”

The bustle in Tucson comes against the backdrop of a war that began on February 28 when the US and Israel attacked Iran, and Tehran retaliated with strikes on Israel, military bases in the Middle East housing US forces, and energy facilities.

Despite a month-long ceasefire, fighting remains unresolved as Iran effectively blockades the Strait of Hormuz and the US imposes a naval blockade on Iranian ports. FIFA has affirmed that Iran will participate as planned, so Tucson continues its preparations.

“As far as we know, the event is 100% on and has never been canceled,” Hanna said. “Since they were identified as a team, we’ve considered them our team until we hear otherwise from FIFA.”

'We Welcome Them With Open Arms'

Despite official assurances, uncertainty lingers over Iran’s participation. On Friday, the head of Iran’s Football Federation announced the team would attend but issued a series of demands regarding visas, treatment of staff, and other requirements.

In March, President Trump questioned the safety of Iranian players in the US, saying that while the team was “welcome” to participate, it might not be a good idea. “I really don’t think it’s appropriate for them to be there, for their own life and safety,” he wrote in a social media post widely seen as threatening.

Tucson locals reject that implicit threat. “Our president is known for being a bit hyperbolic on social media,” said Jon Pearlman, president of local soccer club FC Tucson. “I don’t think President Trump or any branch of government will make them feel unwelcome or unsafe. I think it will be the opposite.”

At the Kino Sports Complex, Iranian players will have access to weight-training equipment, ice baths, and massage tables. “We welcome them with open arms,” Pearlman said. “We’re part of the global soccer community. We’re part of what FIFA is trying to do, and we believe this game brings nations together, not divides them.”

That sentiment is widely shared across this multicultural city of 540,000, which leans heavily toward Democratic candidates.

“I hope they still feel welcome here,” said Rob McLane, an indoor soccer player. “Even though we’re doing what we’re doing, it’s ridiculous,” he said of the military campaign.

Iran’s World Cup squad and support staff are expected to arrive in Tucson two weeks before their tournament opener against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, where they are slated to face Belgium six days later. Team Melli will meet Egypt in their final Group G match on June 21 in Seattle.