TEHRAN - Football fever is gripping the Iranian capital ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, overshadowing the persistent geopolitical tensions between Tehran and tournament co-host United States, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.
A giant replica of the World Cup trophy now stands on a major Tehran thoroughfare, serving as a focal point for local fans.
Meanwhile, shopping malls and sports outlets across the city report surging sales of Iranian national team jerseys, footballs, and tournament merchandise as the public rallies behind ‘Team Melli.’
The tournament, jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, carries unique weight for Iranians, as the national team will play all its Group G group-stage matches on US soil, specifically in Los Angeles and Seattle. - BERNAMA