That appearance was canceled after DR Congo’s comeback. Then the training session itself was called off entirely.
This moment of anguish will rise to the top of a football history full of them.
In 2014, Iran’s hopes were dashed by a moment of magic from Lionel Messi. They were bounced from Russia 2018 after a devastating draw with Portugal.
A frenetic nine-minute stoppage-time blitz against the United States in 2022 ended with tears. This time, the matter was out of Iran’s hands.
They needed help, and didn’t get it.
On a note board in the Seattle locker room, Iran left a message reading, in part, that “football is not just a competition for results.
It is a test of character.”
Unprecedented Hurdles
What a test it was for Iran.
The team qualified for the World Cup, and then their country was named in the Trump administration’s extensive travel ban.
They began preparations as the US and Israel launched a bombing campaign on the country, killing their head of state and 168 people at a school in Minab, among others.
They stood by as various officials traded barbs concerning their participation. They trained in Turkey because training in Iran would present visa issues.
They trained in Mexico under armed guard because training in Arizona as planned would present visa issues.
The US government denied 11 team staff visas to attend their World Cup games, including their entire media relations staff.
US officials mused that they might be trying to sneak in terrorists.
