Iran Coach: We played well despite tough conditions
The head coach of the Iranian national team, Amir Ghalenoei says his squad played a “beautiful game” under the “worst possible conditions” after their 0-0 draw with Belgium at the Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood.
Ghalenoei who was speaking during a post match press conference highlighted several major hurdles that his team faced before and after arriving Mexico to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
He criticized visa complications and travel restrictions saying his team had to commute from its base in Tijuana, Mexico, giving his squad extremely short windows to settle, leaving them with significantly less training time.
“We came into the World Cup under the worst possible conditions,” Ghalenoei told reporters after the Group G game left Iran on two points from two matches. “And still we got a result against a great team and a great manager.
“We played a beautiful game.” He noted.
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“We had two great games without losing,” Ghalenoei said, alluding to his team’s opening 2-2 draw with New Zealand.
“Tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we focus on Egypt, which is a very strong team.”
The Group G game saw Iran hitting the back of the net in the 25th minute when striker Mehdi Taremi found the back of the net but the goal was disallowed following a VAR check for offside.
A red card was also brandished in the game when the centre referee sent off Belgium defender Nathan Ngoy after a wayward back-pass forced him to pull down Taremi, denying a clear goalscoring opportunity in the game which later ended 0-0.
Both will conclude their final group stage matches on Saturday, June 27, 2026, with Belgium clashing with New Zealand while Iran will square up against the Pharaohs of Egypt.
