FIFA President Gianni Infantino delivered an emotional message of support to Iran’s national team following their dramatic 2-2 draw against New Zealand, telling players they had proven to the world that they belong on football’s biggest stage despite the extraordinary challenges surrounding their World Cup campaign.
The FIFA chief visited Iran’s dressing room shortly after Monday’s Group G clash at SoFi Stadium, where Team Melli twice came from behind to rescue a point through goals from Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi.
Addressing the players, Infantino acknowledged the difficulties they have faced in recent weeks and praised their resilience in navigating a series of logistical, political and administrative obstacles that have disrupted preparations for the tournament.
“Tonight’s match was difficult, and with a little bit of luck, you could have come away with the victory,” Infantino told the squad.
“You have shown your families, your friends, and the entire world that you belong at the World Cup. You are players capable of delivering performances at the highest level. I understand what you are going through, but you are stronger than every challenge you face.”
The dressing-room visit came amid growing controversy surrounding Iran’s treatment during the tournament. Several senior officials from the Iran Football Federation were denied visas to enter the United States, forcing the team to operate without key members of its delegation. Iran’s planned training base in Arizona was also abandoned after visa complications, with the squad instead establishing camp in Tijuana, Mexico.
Those disruptions have become a major talking point throughout the opening days of the competition. Following the draw with New Zealand, Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei described his side as “the most oppressed team” at the World Cup, citing constant travel demands, staffing shortages and logistical challenges.
Team captain Mehdi Taremi also voiced frustration over the situation, describing the team’s treatment as a “disaster” and revealing that Infantino had personally assured players that FIFA would continue working to assist the delegation. According to multiple reports, the FIFA president indicated he would explore ways to facilitate the arrival of additional Iranian officials who remain unable to travel to the United States.
The controversy has been particularly sensitive given Infantino’s earlier public commitment that Iran would participate fully in the tournament despite geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflict involving the country. In March, the FIFA president repeatedly insisted that Iran’s matches would be played as scheduled and that football should remain separate from politics.
Monday’s match itself unfolded against a highly charged backdrop. More than 70,000 spectators attended the fixture in Los Angeles, while protests related to Iran’s government took place outside the stadium. Inside the venue, some supporters booed the Iranian national anthem, while others passionately backed Team Melli throughout the contest.
Despite those distractions, Iran showed considerable character on the pitch. New Zealand twice took the lead through a brace from Elijah Just, but Iran responded on both occasions to secure a draw that keeps qualification hopes alive heading into crucial matches against Belgium and Egypt.
For many observers, Infantino’s post-match appearance was an acknowledgement that Iran’s World Cup story has become about far more than football. The team has emerged as one of the tournament’s most scrutinized participants, balancing sporting ambitions with diplomatic complications, travel restrictions and intense political attention.
Whether FIFA can translate words of encouragement into practical assistance remains to be seen. For now, however, Infantino’s message was clear: despite the obstacles surrounding their campaign, Iran’s players have earned their place on the global stage and remain central figures in one of the World Cup’s most compelling stories.