Iranians' World Cup Fever Fades Amid War and Economic Hardship

With only days left until the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the enthusiasm of the Iranian public for the tournament has cooled considerably due to the impacts of war and economic hardship.

According to AFP, in a district of the capital Tehran lined with shops selling football apparel and sports goods, 10-year-old Helma has already caught the World Cup fever.

"I support Iran... This year, it will be number one among all countries!" Helma said.

However, Iran has experienced joint military operations by the United States and Israel, as well as persistent economic difficulties, and not all citizens share the child's excitement.

Houman, a 17-year-old shop assistant in the same district, noted, "This World Cup is different for Iranians... I don't see the same enthusiasm as in previous tournaments."

Shervin, a 42-year-old photographer from Tehran, also expressed a lack of interest in this World Cup.

Shervin told an AFP correspondent in Paris, "No one in Iran really cares about football right now. It's as if no one cares about the suffering and difficult living conditions of the Iranian people, and that makes me angry."

The Iranian national football team has participated in the World Cup several times but has never advanced past the group stage. Their first match in this tournament will be against New Zealand.