On a cold winter afternoon in Wellington, dozens gathered at the Four Kings sports bar to watch New Zealand’s football team, the All Whites, take on Iran in their World Cup opener. The match, which ended in a 2-2 draw, brought together fans from both sides who shared a common love for the game, despite the political tensions that had surrounded the buildup.
A Match Overshadowed by Politics
The politics and hostilities surrounding Iran’s World Cup opener dominated attention in the lead-up to the match. For the first time in World Cup history, a host nation received a country with which it is at war, and the atmosphere was mired in tension. Many Iranians and diaspora communities felt torn over the team’s participation due to the war with the US and Israel, and the perception that the national team is connected to the regime. Some also expressed upset over Fifa’s rules barring political flags inside the stadium, which were upheld on Monday.
In the US, Iranians turned out to protest against the match. However, in New Zealand, the response was more muted. Aida Tavassoli, co-founder of the Iranian Solidarity Network Aotearoa New Zealand, explained, "Given the diversity of views within the Iranian community, it is understandable that there has not been much organised activity." Some wished to support the players and distinguish them from the regime, while others boycotted the match in protest against the Islamic Republic.
Love of the Game Prevails
Despite the political backdrop, the enthusiasm at the Four Kings was undeniable. The crowd erupted into cheers and groans as Iran and New Zealand traded goals in the first half. When Eli Just became the first New Zealand player to score twice in a World Cup match early in the second half, the noise from the bar was deafening. The jubilant mood was quickly dashed when Mohammad Mohebis scored Iran’s second goal moments later.
As the game drew to a close and a draw was confirmed, those in the bar clapped—a mix of resignation and relief. In the minutes afterward, an All Whites supporter approached Arman, an Iran supporter who wished to give only his first name, to shake his hand. Arman said, "That was painful. I was going bald watching that. We didn’t lead at all… we didn’t lose but I have high expectations and standards for the team. We should have won."
A Beautiful Moment for Football
Andy Brown, a New Zealand fan, reflected on the significance of the match. "It’s hugely significant. It’s all about football, it’s the World Cup and how good is it to see New Zealand there now? I saw them in 82 as a young’n and I can’t believe it’s happening again." New Zealand are the lowest-ranked team in the competition, sitting at No 85 according to Fifa, compared to world No 21 Iran.
Arman added, "I’m a huge football fan and I know it’s very polarised and there are emotions and strongly held opinions—I think it’s really unfortunate, the players and the team suffer a lot. They’re not the ones responsible for human rights abuses. I don’t judge anyone over how they relate to it but I know that for me and others, [football] is something that is an escape and a beautiful moment."
Stan, an All Whites supporter, was elated for his team. "It was an incredibly evenly matched game—both teams had a great attitude, were playing to win, taking chances—a great game of football." He felt for the Iranians having to play "inside the belly of the beast," surrounded by Americans and off the back of travel and visa issues, but noted it had levelled the playing field for New Zealand. "For a New Zealander—for us to play so well in a World Cup and come within a sniff of winning—was amazing."
