Iran were poised to make a tension-filled entrance at the World Cup on Monday as European heavyweights Spain were held to a shock 0-0 draw by tiny tournament debutants Cape Verde.
After months of uncertainty surrounding their participation in the tournament following war in the Middle East, Iran were due to kick off their Group G game against New Zealand in Los Angeles at 6:00 pm local time (0100 GMT Tuesday).
Iran were initially to be based in Tucson, Arizona, but switched their training base to Tijuana in Mexico at the 11th hour as a result of ongoing tensions with World Cup co-hosts the United States over visa issues.
US authorities have refused to grant visas for several members of the Iranian delegation.
A few hours before Monday's opener at the SoFi Stadium, hundreds of protesters against Iran's ruling regime gathered outside the venue to vent their anger at Tehran's rulers.
After months of uncertainty surrounding their participation in the tournament following war in the Middle East, Iran were due to kick off their Group G game against New Zealand in Los Angeles at 6:00 pm local time (0100 GMT Tuesday).
Iran were initially to be based in Tucson, Arizona, but switched their training base to Tijuana in Mexico at the 11th hour as a result of ongoing tensions with World Cup co-hosts the United States over visa issues.
US authorities have refused to grant visas for several members of the Iranian delegation.
A few hours before Monday's opener at the SoFi Stadium, hundreds of protesters against Iran's ruling regime gathered outside the venue to vent their anger at Tehran's rulers.
2 months ago
