Many Iranians Shrug Off World Cup After 1 Year of War, Protests and Economic Pain
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 15
Many Iranians Shrug Off World Cup After 1 Year of War, Protests and Economic Pain
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 15
Summary
Interviews across Iran found broad indifference to the national team’s World Cup appearance, with many people saying the tournament offers little pride, relief or unity.
1 year of devastating wars, crushed mass protests and an imploding economy has left many Iranians exhausted and jaded, overshadowing even the country’s biggest sporting stage.
Some Iranians now see the team as tied to a repressive state, while others still back the players as a source of national pride separate from politics.
Even supporters said daily pressures dominate public attention, underscoring how deeply conflict and economic hardship have eroded soccer’s usual unifying role.