On May 12, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported that as the national team enters the fourth phase of its World Cup preparation camp, striker Ali Alipour spoke to the official media of the Iran Football Federation. He addressed topics including the team’s training progress, friendly match arrangements, World Cup prospects, and external political comments. Alipour emphasized that the squad is fully focused on training and matches, remaining unaffected by outside political noise, and stated, “Participating in the World Cup is our right.”
Discussing the current camp atmosphere, Alipour described it as highly positive. Under the guidance of head coach Amir Ghalenoei and his staff, the team is methodically executing its preparation plan. “The training conditions are excellent right now. After the league break, we entered the national team camp as per the coaching staff’s schedule. Both physical and tactical training are progressing as planned, and we feel improvement every day,” he said.
He further noted that the team is training intensively to reach the desired physical and tactical standards as quickly as possible. “We are training very seriously, giving our all, hoping to reach our peak form soon and enter the World Cup in the best shape to achieve great results.”
Regarding the upcoming friendly matches in Turkey, Alipour stressed their importance. He believes high-quality friendlies will help the team adapt to match rhythm and test tactical execution. “As the coach always emphasizes, we need friendlies to get into game shape. Only in a real match environment can we reach 100% performance and execute tactical requirements in the official games,” he explained.
He added that the team aims to enhance overall chemistry through these friendlies in Turkey. “Through these matches, our player coordination will become more mature, and we will better understand the coaching staff’s tactical ideas.”
On his personal form, Alipour expressed satisfaction. “I am in good condition. I am just one member of the team, working hard with my teammates, improving my physical and tactical abilities every day. I feel better than the day before,” he said.
He emphasized his goal is to fully comply with the coaching staff’s tactical arrangements and reach 100% match readiness to contribute to the team.
When asked about World Cup group opponents, Alipour stated the team adheres to a “match-by-match” approach. “We focus on one game at a time. Our first match is against New Zealand. Our coaching staff is very professional; they will provide all necessary tactical guidance, and we just need to execute on the pitch,” he noted.
He confirmed the team has thoroughly analyzed their opponents and takes every game seriously. “The coaching staff has fully analyzed New Zealand, and we respect every opponent. Our goal is to win the first match and start the World Cup strongly.”
Rebuffing the notion that New Zealand is a weak opponent, Alipour stressed that no game at the World Cup level is easy. “There are no easy matches in the World Cup because all teams are strong. We know New Zealand’s characteristics; they have players plying their trade in the English league, including Chris Wood. They are a very competitive team.”
He emphasized that Iran will not be intimidated by opponents’ backgrounds. “We don’t focus too much on which league opponents play in; we concentrate on ourselves. We are a united team, and when we come together, no one can easily challenge our ability.”
The team will rely on collective tactics and team spirit, he said. “We are a strong team, united under the coaching staff, with a clear goal to achieve good results for the country and make our people proud.”
Addressing recent political noise, including voices from the U.S. suggesting other teams replace Iran in the World Cup, Alipour made it clear the team is unfazed. “We are not disturbed by those political statements. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has clearly stated that Iran will participate in the World Cup.”
He recalled Infantino’s visit to the national team camp, where he publicly affirmed Iran’s full qualification. “During that visit, he explicitly said we would participate with our strongest squad. That is very clear.”
Alipour stressed that no individual or external statement can change Iran’s participation. “No one can decide our participation with their words. Playing in the World Cup is our right. Under Amir Ghalenoei’s leadership and with the team’s hard work, we qualified as quickly as possible.”
He also mentioned support from international football figures like Luis Figo and José Mourinho, indicating the football world focuses on sport rather than politics. “This support is not coincidental. The World Cup is an event that unites the world. Fans from different countries support their teams—it’s a global football festival.”
He said the team will not be distracted by political controversies. “Figures like Mourinho and Figo care more about football itself. This sport brings unity and passion. Their words are based on football, not politics.”
Finally, when asked about Coach Ghalenoei’s emphasis on “country and honor” during the camp, Alipour expressed deep resonance. “Perhaps I’m repeating myself, but the most important thing we learn from the coach is to fight for our country and territorial integrity. We are Iran’s warriors, and we will demonstrate that on the pitch.”
He added, “The coach once said a phrase we always remember—maybe we are not a superpower in the world, but we are definitely strong in football. That gives us tremendous motivation to give our all at the World Cup, repay our country with performance, and bring joy to our people.”
Alipour’s statements once again underscore the Iran national team’s core attitude: focused preparation, rejection of external interference, and the highest goal of national honor as they approach the World Cup challenge.