Football is just a game: Iranians distracted ahead of World Cup opener

On a sleepy and subdued Monday morning in central London, you’d be forgiven for not knowing that the most significant fixture in the Iran football calendar is just hours away.

In stark contrast with their English counterparts, there are very few fans to speak of roaming the streets of central London, with the few cafés that are open vacant of any real footballing passion.

It’s easy to see why, too. The country is in political turmoil, flirting with revolution at a time when so many can ill-afford the social and political consequences of such a conflict.

This is certainly reflected by the fans on the ground. Iranian shop owners are looking forward to the game but admit their priorities lie elsewhere.

Mr Hassan, owner of a Persian food shop in Edgware Road, said: “It’s a 1pm kick off, so we will mostly be at work which is a great shame because I love football. I will try to watch it if I can, but this is the problem with the game happening on Monday afternoon.”

“I’m hoping England will win, it is my home. My wife is from England.”

Co-owner Mr Ali, in opposition to the prevailing Western narrative, thinks hosting the World Cup is a brilliant opportunity for Qatar and its people to shine on the world stage.

He added: “It is amazing for Qatar to host the World Cup. It is a great country, lots of money, very clean and the stadiums look amazing.”

Whether this sentiment is shared across the Iranian community remains to be seen, but this could well be a sign of things to come for Iran in the tournament.

Iran has a promising team. But for many reasons their loyal fanbase simply has other priorities right now, be it work, or the ongoing political tensions in the country they love so dearly.