Why the Iranian Team Is in a Tough Spot at the World Cup

One of the strangest buildups to a game played in an intense, volatile atmosphere in which some fans paid hundreds of dollars only to cheer on their nation’s opponents. And in the middle of it a team that has faced hardship after hardship. Iran’s World Cup begins: www.nytimes.com/2026/06/16/w...

A strange day. “As the ball slipped into the net, Sahand Vafadary leaped from his seat and twirled his Iran flag above his head in celebration. New Zealand had just retaken the lead in its World Cup opener against Mr. Vafafary’s native country and he was ecstatic.” www.nytimes.com/2026/06/16/w...

Feed: "NYT > World News" By: Tariq Panja on Tuesday, June 16, 2026

“I might not go because of the Los Angeles diaspora,” said Sahar Salajegheh, a dental surgeon. “I don’t want to get in trouble with them. That’s the only reason I wouldn’t go, even though my friends have a ticket for me.” - selbes Spiel bei @tariqpanja.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/2026/06/16/w...