In Tehran, many Iranians watch their team’s early World Cup match from morning hours as the kick-off comes at 4:30 am. Several outlets describe a quiet atmosphere during the national anthem, followed by louder reactions once goals are scored. With most people asleep at the time of the start, the coverage highlights that a limited number of cafes remain open to broadcast the game, where fans gather to follow the match.
Across the accounts, the mood is described as a mix of curiosity and enthusiasm, as the team plays in the United States for the first time in the tournament. Reports also place the viewing context against broader geopolitical tensions, saying the World Cup is being held under the shadow of the war between Iran and the co-hosts, including the United States. In one cafe setting, around 40 fans discuss the team’s prospects as they watch through the night and into the early morning, indicating how sports fandom continues despite the political backdrop.
