Beautiful game, ugly WC: Several teams face brunt of US paranoia, oppressive security

 Iran’s football team faced immense logistical challenges and intrusive security measures during their World Cup campaign in the US, drawing 2-2 against New Zealand. Players expressed frustration over the “disaster” of unfair competition due to these issues. Despite political tensions and fan disruptions, the team received support, while Mexico was praised for its hospitality. Iran’s football team faced immense logistical challenges and intrusive security measures during their World Cup campaign in the US, drawing 2-2 against New Zealand. Players expressed frustration over the “disaster” of unfair competition due to these issues. Despite political tensions and fan disruptions, the team received support, while Mexico was praised for its hospitality.