Khodadad Azizi, a name that still resonates in Iranian football history, stepped onto the world stage in 1998 when Iran and the United States met for the first time at a World Cup. The encounter, played in Lyon, France, ended in a 2‑1 victory for Iran, a result that was accompanied by an unexpected display of goodwill: players exchanged flowers, Iranian handicrafts were presented, and a group photograph was proposed as a symbol of peace.
A Legacy of Fair Play
Azizi, who later served as president of the Iranian Football Federation, recalls the atmosphere of mutual respect that defined that match. Both squads received FIFA’s Fair Play award, and Azizi himself swapped jerseys with American defender Frankie Hejduk, a gesture that has become emblematic of the tournament’s early spirit.
Now, as the United States, Canada and Mexico prepare to co‑host the 2026 World Cup, Azizi returns to the spotlight to voice his concerns. He argues that the tournament, once a celebration of sport, is increasingly entangled with politics, a shift he finds troubling.
Politics and the Beautiful Game
Speaking from Tehran, Azizi criticized the current political climate that surrounds the competition, noting that teams entering the United States face heightened scrutiny and stricter visa requirements. He pointed out that the Iranian delegation originally faced a refusal of entry for fifteen officials, a hurdle that forced the squad to relocate its base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico.
Azizi also took aim at FIFA’s handling of political issues, suggesting that the governing body has been inconsistent in addressing controversies. While he acknowledges the organization’s role in awarding Fair Play, he believes that political considerations are now overshadowing the core mission of football: to bring people together.
Despite the turbulence, Azizi insists that the Iranian national team remains focused on the sport itself. He dismissed suggestions that the squad is a mere instrument of the authorities, asserting that the players are driven by the desire to compete and to showcase their talent on the world stage.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming match against New Zealand in Los Angeles will be Iran’s first appearance in the tournament’s newest era. Azizi predicts that beating the Kiwis is far from a daunting task, a confidence rooted in years of experience and a belief that football should transcend borders and ideologies. His message to fans worldwide is simple: let the game speak for itself, and let peace be its most enduring legacy.