Following a year marked by conflict, economic turmoil, and widespread political repression, Iran’s participation in the World Cup is eliciting little enthusiasm among many of its citizens. Amid ongoing hardships, the national soccer team’s presence at the tournament has failed to unite or uplift the public, reflecting deep societal divisions and fatigue.

Iranians’ responses to the team are mixed. Some view the players as symbols of a government they see as oppressive, while others maintain that the athletes embody national pride independent of politics. Nonetheless, an overarching sentiment expressed by people across the political spectrum is one of exhaustion and indifference.

“People don’t feel pride anymore,” said Iman, a 38-year-old resident of Tehran, who declined to support the national squad. “There are so many problems that this soccer thing is really not a big deal for them,” he added, referring to economic hardship and political unrest. Another Tehran resident, Iraj, 48, said he planned to cheer for the team but acknowledged that attention to soccer remained limited as daily worries prevailed.

Iran’s opening World Cup match on Monday ended in a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, with crowds divided between enthusiastic support and vocal disapproval. The tepid mood surrounding the event contrasts sharply with scenes from previous decades when Iranian soccer briefly served as a rallying point across social and political divides.

The backdrop to the current mood includes a series of crises. A year ago, Israel launched a 12-day military campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear program and military infrastructure. This was followed by mass protests triggered by economic decline and demands for political change. These demonstrations were met with a harsh crackdown that human rights groups report resulted in thousands of deaths. In early 2024, coordinated airstrikes by the United States and Israel further damaged Iranian facilities and caused civilian casualties. The government also imposed severe internet restrictions and intensified arrests and executions of dissidents. Meanwhile, inflation and shortages have placed basic necessities out of reach for much of the population.

This context has dampened public interest in soccer. “The World Cup is the least important thing to me,” said Hasti, a 26-year-old university student in Tehran. She expressed resentment toward the national team for being seen as representatives of the regime and accused them of legitimizing its authority. Others argue that players, many from modest backgrounds, are primarily athletes who seek to unite the country through their performances. Striker Mehdi Taremi emphasized this point, stating, “All our efforts are aimed at making all the people of Iran happy.”

Iran’s sports landscape remains tightly controlled by the state, with Mehdi Taj, the head of the national soccer federation, a former senior Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps commander. Political interference in the team’s affairs has a history; players who showed support for the 2009 Green Movement reportedly faced sanctions, and public opinion during last year’s tournament was similarly divisive, highlighted by some Iranians’ open celebrations of the team’s loss to the United States amidst nationwide protests.

Notably, Sardar Azmoun, a key striker excluded from the current squad, was criticized after sharing a photo with Emirati leaders during Iran’s military strikes on the United Arab Emirates, which some state-affiliated outlets called a betrayal.

Observers note that the government frequently seeks to capitalize on major sporting events for political gain. However, many Iranians distinguish the team’s achievements from the regime’s actions, seeing World Cup participation as a part of the country’s broader sporting legacy rather than a political endorsement.

Despite the current disillusionment, older generations recall moments when the national team provided a rare source of joy and a sense of unity. “My feeling toward the national team today is not like it used to be,” said Mohsen, a 29-year-old merchant in Isfahan. “Life has become harder, and mentally we are not doing well.” Though he still hoped for the team’s success, he admitted he was unlikely to follow the matches closely.

The complex relationship between Iran’s national team and its people reflects the country’s ongoing struggles, where the passion for sport is often overshadowed by political and economic crises.