Amid US-Israel war on Iran, Arizona awaits Iranian team before World Cup

"We're just excited to host them here, and we're going to give them a positive experience, Sarah Hanna, director of the Kino Sports Complex, where the team will train, told the AFP news agency."

"Grass is being watered and cut to FIFA-regulation height to ensure that players don't get any surprises when they take to the field in Los Angeles and Seattle, the venues for their group-stage games. Hotel rooms and meeting spaces are locked in, and security is tight."

"Right now, I'm probably averaging about 12 to 20 meetings regarding this training facility a week, Hanna said, from our concessionaire for food and beverage to lots of grounds meetings with FIFA coming out to check. The flurry of activity in Tucson comes against the backdrop of the war, which began on February 28 when the US and Israel attacked Iran and Tehran responded by launching attacks on Israel, military bases in the Middle East where US forces are deployed and energy facilities."

"FIFA has insisted the team will take part in the tournament as planned, so Tucson has pressed ahead with its preparations. As far as we're concerned, it's 100 percent on, and it's never been off, Hanna said."

Tucson, Arizona will serve as the base camp for Iran’s national football team during the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Kino Sports Complex is preparing to ensure players feel safe and welcome, with grass watered and cut to FIFA regulation height for consistent playing conditions. Hotel rooms and meeting spaces are secured, and security measures are described as tight. Training preparations involve frequent meetings with food and beverage providers, grounds teams, and FIFA representatives who conduct checks. The preparations continue amid a US-Israeli conflict with Iran that has lasted nearly 12 weeks, even after a month-long ceasefire. FIFA has insisted Iran will participate as planned, and Tucson states preparations are fully underway.

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