Image
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Six days ago here at the Sofi Stadium, in enemy territory, under pressure, Iran's national football team began to voice their objections. They begin by highlighting the reasons that are hindering their success in the 2026 World Cup. The team's coach, Amir Ghalenui, called his team the "most underdog" team of the tournament. The players said the US travel ban was affecting them. "Everything is a disaster for us," said striker Mehdi Taremi. And after a 2-2 draw against NZ they were talking like they were preparing for a World Cup group stage exit. But on Sunday, in the same stadium in the greater Los Angeles area, the Iranians came together, earned a gutsy draw against Belgium and sent a very different message. "We will not say anything more about the situation we are in," winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh said. Rather, they want to come together now — as a group and as a country. The Iranians put pressure on the mighty Belgium. They have locked in stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Leandro Trossard in defence. They also scored a goal, which was disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). They mobilized goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand for a remarkable save in the second half. Late in the match they went on a run for victory, and some players were disappointed that they couldn't score the winning goal. But they left the field with a proud 0-0 draw, which put them top of the group, albeit for a few hours. How could they do this in such adverse conditions? "It's part of our culture. We play better in difficult situations," Jahanbakhsh said. "The obstacles we face have brought us together," he added. Midfielder Samman Ghoddos said, "It sets an example of character from our side." Amid complaints and controversy, they prepare for the match against Belgium. Extreme pressure, lack of favorable conditions, they all come together with a common goal: to advance to the knockout stages of the World Cup and create an occasion of pride for all Iranians in the world. And they achieved a big step in front of 70,317 spectators at the Sophie Stadium. On the morning of the match, they were subjected to an even more hostile treatment. Markwyne Mullin, the US Secretary of Homeland Security, accused Iran of trying to allow some officials "directly associated" with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) into the US. Less than an hour before the start of the match, Iran's football federation released a detailed statement, describing the allegations made by the US as "baseless and fabricated". It was part of a month-long political standoff that has cast a shadow over Iran's soccer team's participation in the tournament. But when the games start, football takes center stage. Those who booed Iran's national anthem, celebrated their striker Mehdi Taremi's offside goal, and cheered after a Belgium player was shown a red card. Many in the field, even those hesitant to support the team, felt a kind of connection with them. And that is exactly what the Iranian players wanted to achieve. Jahanbakhsh said, "We play for all Iranians, those in Iran, those outside Iran, whatever their views, whatever their position. We make sure we do everything we can to make them happy. Because I'm sure, in the end, they love Team Milli (the nickname of Iran's national football team) from the heart." At the end of the match, they expressed their love for Team Millie. They wrote on a large Post-it note, which they left in the sample room, which read: "From ancient Persia to today's civilized Iran, the spirit of Iran is intact and steadfast. We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor and leave with dignity. Thank you Los Angeles, for all you Iranians, who have different opinions, perspectives, who represent different cultures, our hearts in 180 minutes, With voice and spirit we played, for them peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations. ## Related Articles 1. [Top FIFA Power Rankings after Matchday 10 in World Cup 2026](https://azkalsgoal.com/fil/news/mga-nangunungan-fifa-power-rankings-matopos-ang-matchday-10-sa-world-cup-2026) 2. [Mundial 2026](https://azkalsgoal.com/fil/news/world-cup-2026-netherlands-dinomina-ang-sweden-5-1-brobbey-scored-two-goals-in-17-minutes-gakpo-again)

Related Articles