Khodadad Azizi, the iconic Iranian striker who famously faced the United States on the world stage in 1998, has returned to the spotlight as the tournament approaches its next edition.
In that historic encounter, players exchanged flowers and Iranian handicrafts were presented to the American side, a moment that earned both teams the FIFA Fair Play award and remains a vivid memory of mutual respect.
A Legacy of Fair Play
Azizi recalls the camaraderie that defined that match, noting that the gesture of exchanging jerseys with American defender Frankie Hejduk symbolized a desire for peace that transcended competition.
Fast forward to the present, Iran’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup co‑hosted by the United States has been marked by logistical hurdles. The squad was forced to move its base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Baja California, after the United States initially refused visas for fifteen members of the delegation, including federation chief Mehdi Taj.
The political undercurrents have not been lost on Azizi, who has voiced criticism of the current atmosphere that seeks to intertwine football with geopolitics. He argues that FIFA’s handling of team entries has become stricter, lacking the dignity and respect that characterized the 1998 encounter.
Despite the noise, the Iranian players remain focused on the sport itself. Azizi dismissed the accusations of Iranian dissidents who claim the team represents the authorities, emphasizing that the squad’s sole objective is to compete on the pitch and advance from their group by defeating New Zealand in their opening match in Los Angeles.
His message is clear: football should be a conduit for peace, not a battlefield for political statements. As Iran prepares to step onto the field, Azizi’s voice joins a growing call for the beautiful game to stay above the fray.