INGLEWOOD, California, June 22 — Iran's players say adversity has strengthened the squad's unity after they held heavily favoured Belgium to a goalless draw in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match this morning, keeping alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage for the first time.
The result was another display of resilience from a team whose tournament has unfolded under extraordinary circumstances.
Due to measures imposed by the US government, Team Melli have been required to stay outside the United States between matches, while several members of the team's staff and officials have also been barred from entering the country.
Midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh said the challenges had only strengthened the group.
“I think it is part of our culture that in difficult situations, we perform better,” Jahanbakhsh told reporters.
“It has united us even more, and that's one of the things we showed today. We showed great team character.”
Iran frustrated Belgium throughout the match and, despite failing to capitalise after their opponents were reduced to 10 men, emerged with their unbeaten record intact.
Iran, who have two points from two draws after also holding New Zealand to a 2-2 draw, face Egypt in Seattle on Friday in their final group match, knowing a victory would send them into the last 16 — a feat the country has never achieved at a World Cup.
“The travel situation hasn't been the best, but we don't want to keep repeating that because I think everyone is aware,” Jahanbakhsh said.
“We go game by game. Today was an amazing performance, but we cannot let up in the next game against Egypt. We know how important that is.”
Protests continue
For the second consecutive match in Los Angeles, protesters opposed to the Iranian government gathered before kick-off.
Jahanbakhsh said the team were motivated by the opportunity to represent Iranians everywhere, regardless of political beliefs or personal views.
“We play for all Iranians in Iran and outside Iran, with whatever ideology or preference they have, and we want to make them happy because, at the end of the day, they love Team Melli with all their hearts and we respect them all.
“The most important thing we can do as a team is to perform well and leave our hearts on the pitch.”
Iran have never advanced beyond the group stage in six previous World Cup appearances, but Friday's meeting with Egypt offers an opportunity to make history after a campaign defined as much by disruption off the pitch as discipline on it.
