TIJUANA, Mexico (AP) — Less than 150 miles (240 kilometers) from Los Angeles' World Cup stadium, the Iranian soccer team is housed in a secure Marriott hotel in Tijuana, Mexico. The hotel entrance is heavily guarded, with police and members of the Mexican National Guard ensuring that only those with reservations or special passes can enter.

Despite the challenges and tensions surrounding Iran’s participation in the World Cup, the atmosphere inside the hotel is relaxed and cheerful early Saturday morning. Fans, including several dozen who traveled from Los Angeles, San Jose, and even Miami, gather to show their support for the team before they head out for their second group-stage match against Belgium.

Thirteen-year-old Lucas Zarrabi, who already attended a previous match and has tickets for Sunday’s game, expresses his enthusiasm: “I wanted to come down to support Iranian soccer and cheer for them.” His sentiment reflects the strong connection many fans feel toward the team. The recent upheaval forced Iran’s team to relocate its base camp from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana due to complications with U.S. visas for staff members. Restrictions also dictate the team's travel schedule, including a mandate to leave immediately after matches, adding to the challenges faced by the players.

“We are trying to overcome these problems with our Iranian pride,” said Hedayat Mombeini, secretary-general of the Iran Football Federation. He goal is to lodge a complaint with FIFA regarding these hindrances. Emphasizing the intersection of sports and politics, Mombeini noted, “Football shouldn’t lose its power to politics.” The federation’s concerns are echoed by fans, like Abbas Eftekhari, who believe the cumulative effect of these difficulties could drain the team both psychologically and physically.

Since the team’s arrival on June 7, Ali Eslami has become a regular presence at the hotel, expressing his emotional connection to the players: “It’s the best pleasure for me. I wished them the best luck...” His commitment mirrors that of other fans who frequently wait outside the hotel to greet and encourage the players.

However, supporting the team brings some fans unease. There are fears of backlash within the Iranian diaspora, as public sentiment surrounding the political situation back home may affect appearances at matches. Eftekhari cautions that the negative reactions, such as protests against the team, can detrimentally impact players’ morale. He worries that psychological stress from these encounters might influence their performance during the games.

As the kickoff approaches, the atmosphere remains vibrant, with not only Iranian fans present but also supporters from Tijuana eager to welcome the team. The Iranian ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, expressed appreciation for the warm Mexican hospitality, emphasizing the positive diplomatic relations between Iran and Mexico compared to those with the U.S.

Among the youthful fans is Leonardo Ramirez Lopez, a 10-year-old soccer enthusiast from Tijuana, who clutches an autograph book, hoping to gather signatures from the Iranian players. “It’s a new team that I don’t have experience with how they play,” he says, already placing Iran as his third-favorite team.

After hours of waiting, fans broke into cheers as the players finally emerged from the hotel, smiling, waving, and stopping to sign autographs. Each player paid their respects, kissing a Quran before boarding the bus to Tijuana’s airport, eliciting joyful chants from the supportive crowd. This strong display of unity showcases the significant connection between the players and their fans during such a critical time.

As Iran prepares for their upcoming matches, support from fans, despite the external challenges, signifies the uplifting power of sports amid adversity.