The FIFA World Cup — a global spectacle where the only thing supposed to be tricky is the footwork. Apparently, someone forgot to tell the United States, a co-host, that equal treatment extends to everyone, even teams they're not exactly chummy with.
Case in point: Iran. Their team has been bouncing around like a pinball, reportedly facing scheduling headaches and travel restrictions that make a cross-country road trip with toddlers look relaxing. But Hossam Hassan, Egypt's head coach, isn't having it. He's decided to be the voice of reason, declaring that all teams deserve to be there and be treated fairly.
"Respect for all," Hassan told Al Jazeera, a sentiment you'd think would be standard operating procedure, especially for an organization like FIFA, which supposedly champions "respect and fair play." Funny how those words sometimes get lost in translation when geopolitics enters the stadium.
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Iran's team set up their training camp in Mexico. They were then allowed into the U.S. just a single day before their West Coast matches, only to be shooed out almost immediately afterward. Because nothing says peak athletic performance like jet lag and a side of bureaucratic hassle. The U.S. has since eased up a tad for the Egypt match, letting Iran arrive a whole day earlier in Seattle. Progress, one might say, if you squint.
Iran's manager, Amir Ghalenoei, noted, quite reasonably, that arriving two days before a match is usually considered a basic right, not a special favor. He's pointed out that these travel policies have definitely put a dent in his team's fitness and prep. But, ever the optimist, he’s confident they'll power through.
Despite the off-field drama, both coaches managed to exchange pleasantries, Ghalenoei even waxing poetic about two ancient civilizations clashing on the pitch. He also confirmed they wouldn't be solely focused on stopping Egypt's star player, Mohamed Salah, because apparently, Egypt has other tricks up its sleeve. Which, if you think about it, is both impressive and slightly terrifying.
Egypt, currently leading its group, needs only a draw against Iran to qualify. Iran, tied with Belgium, is in second. New Zealand is bringing up the rear. Hassan, fresh off Egypt’s first-ever World Cup win (a 3-1 triumph over New Zealand), is aiming for another victory. Because what’s better than making history? Making more history, presumably without the travel restrictions.
