Political tension has undermined World Cup joy, says Iran striker

Los Angeles is often nicknamed "Tehrangeles" - a fact that drew smiles from both player and manager when it was mentioned at the news conference.

Many Iranian-Americans will be heading to SoFi Stadium on Monday where Iran will open their World Cup campaign against New Zealand.

Many will not be there to cheer, but to protest.

Fifa has banned the pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag - a powerful symbol for many Iranians living abroad.

The decision has angered parts of the diaspora.

"You don't come to Los Angeles and tell us we can't fly the Lion and Sun flag," said activist Arezo Rashidian, who is helping organise demonstrations outside the stadium.

"This is the largest Iranian community outside Iran. Many of us came here after the revolution. We're opposing Fifa's ban and standing in solidarity with the people of Iran."

Many members of the diaspora are hostile towards Iran's regime, and some see the squad as an extension of the Islamic Republic.

"It's unfortunate that the regime turns athletes into mouthpieces." said Rashidian. "We want athletes to remain athletes."

Despite that, she and many others still plan to attend the match.

"We understand the pressure they're under," she said. "We'll carry our colours. We'll cheer for Iran - the country - held captive by the Islamic Republic."

But while protesters prepare to make their voices heard outside the stadium, Iran's players say their focus remains on football.

"As players of the national team, we play for every single Iranian, whether in the diaspora or in Iran," Taremi said.

"In every country people have different opinions. We are here to unite people and bring joy. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. We don't get involved in politics."

That may be the ideal.

But for Iran's team, keeping politics outside the stadium could prove difficult in a tournament where football has often felt like a sideshow for this squad.

"There is no winning for Iran's team," investigative football journalist Samindra Kunti said.

"Given the circumstances, the political pressure, the location of the matches and the diaspora in Los Angeles, they're under enormous pressure."

"It's impossible to avoid the politics.

"Everything becomes a reminder of their situation."

The players face pressure from home, pressure from the host nation and pressure from a diaspora determined to make its voice heard.

All before a ball has been kicked.