World Cup 2026: Iran's head coach confident about unbeaten record

Iran continued to impress by holding Belgium to a 0-0 draw in a Group G match on June 22. Notably, Belgium played with ten men for most of the game. Earlier, the Asian representative also secured a point in their opening match against New Zealand.

This result keeps Iran unbeaten after two matches, with their chances of advancing to the knockout stage still alive. However, according to Coach Ghalenoei, what the team has achieved so far means more than just on-field results. He said: "I want to look back at the past six months. We have lived under conflict conditions for six months. The national league could not operate normally, and many teams canceled friendly matches with Iran. We came to the World Cup in the most difficult circumstances possible."

Iran's participation in the World Cup was once questioned due to the impact of the conflict with the United States, one of the tournament's co-host nations. Political and security upheavals significantly affected the team's preparation process.

Not only did Iran face difficulties before the tournament, but they also encountered numerous logistical obstacles during the World Cup. The team is currently based in Mexico, and whenever they play in the United States, they must fly to the match venue the day before the game and leave on the same day as the match under restricted visa conditions.

Iran will face Egypt in Seattle in their final group stage match on June 26. Coach Ghalenoei said he hopes the team will be allowed to arrive in the city earlier to have more preparation time, although the matter is still under review by all parties.

A win over Egypt would secure Iran a spot in the Round of 16, but the 63-year-old strategist emphasized that his players deserve recognition regardless of the final outcome.

Mr. Ghalenoei stressed: "These players came to the World Cup under such circumstances and deserve congratulations. We had a chance to beat Belgium, but even a single point is a proud achievement."

According to Mr. Ghalenoei, Iran's preparation time for each match was very limited. "We had less than 16 hours of training before each game. Under such conditions, securing two unbeaten matches at the World Cup is exceptional."

The Iranian coach believes that the team's efforts at this year's tournament will be remembered in the history of Iranian football. He affirmed: "This will be written into the history of Iranian football, and future generations will talk about what we have achieved."