The Iran national football team held its first training session in the U.S. on Sunday, June 15, 2026 [1].
The session marks the beginning of the team's on-ground preparation for the World Cup 2026. The presence of the squad, known as Team Melli, in the U.S. has become a flashpoint for political tension as the tournament approaches.
The team practiced at the Dignity Sports Health facility in Los Angeles [2]. This session serves as the primary buildup for their opening match against New Zealand [1].
Security operations were reinforced around the facility to manage the arrival of the players and staff [2]. Outside the venue, members of the Iranian diaspora gathered to protest the Tehran regime [1]. The demonstrators targeted the team as representatives of the government.
One protester said the squad was a "terrorist team" during the demonstration [1]. The atmosphere remained tense throughout the day, though the training session proceeded as scheduled [2].
Team Melli is utilizing the Los Angeles base to acclimate to the local environment before their debut [2]. The security measures are expected to remain high for the duration of the team's stay in the city to prevent clashes between the squad and opposing political groups [1].
“The session was marked by a strong security operation and protests by diaspora groups”
The intersection of global sports and geopolitical friction is evident here, as the World Cup serves as a rare physical presence of the Iranian state within the U.S. The protests highlight the deep divide between the Tehran government and the Iranian diaspora, suggesting that security for the team will remain a primary concern for organizers throughout the tournament.
