The members of the Iranian national football team pose during a farewell ceremony before their departure for the 2026 World Cup, in Tehran, on May 13, 2026. (Credit: Atta Kenare/AFP)
On June 21, 1998, for the first time in their history, Iran and the United States faced each other on a soccer field. Dena was 6 years old. From Belgium, where her family lives, she joined thousands of Iranians in witnessing her country of origin's historic victory over the U.S. Nearly 30 years later, the memory of the collective pride that swept part of the diaspora remains vivid. "It was as if we had won a war," she said. That night, Iran eliminated the United States from the World Cup with a 2-1 win. Scenes of jubilation erupted in the streets of Tehran and far beyond. The Islamic Republic quickly capitalized politically on the moment, as diplomatic relations between the two countries had been severed for nearly 20 years. "Once again, the strong and arrogant adversary has tasted the bitterness of defeat," late...
On June 21, 1998, for the first time in their history, Iran and the United States faced each other on a soccer field. Dena was 6 years old. From Belgium, where her family lives, she joined thousands of Iranians in witnessing her country of origin's historic victory over the U.S. Nearly 30 years later, the memory of the collective pride that swept part of the diaspora remains vivid. "It was as if we had won a war," she said. That night, Iran eliminated the United States from the World Cup with a 2-1 win. Scenes of jubilation erupted in the streets of Tehran and far beyond. The Islamic Republic quickly capitalized politically on the moment, as diplomatic relations between the two countries had been severed for nearly 20 years. "Once again, the strong and arrogant adversary has tasted the bitterness of defeat,"...
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