FIFA President Gianni Infantino sent a message to the Iranian national team after the end of their journey in the 2026 World Cup currently being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Iran, one of the representatives of the Asian continent, occupied the third place in the standings of Group Seven, after 3 draws against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, and was unlucky not to enter the list of the best 8 teams that qualified from the third place, due to goal difference.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino posted on his Instagram account footage of his meeting with members of the Iranian national team, as well as footage of the team's matches and the presence of its supporters at the tournament.
Infantino wrote: "Remaining undefeated during the tough group stage of the World Cup is a remarkable achievement and has demonstrated your exceptional quality and teamwork to the world. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to qualify, but your passion and desire were evident to everyone."
He added: "Thank you for playing with such enthusiasm, and for giving everyone so much to be proud of."
The Iranian national team suffered from some bad circumstances before the start of the tournament, ever since their country went to war with the United States and Israel in February 2016.
The team was unable to play a series of friendly matches in preparation for the tournament because of the war, and doubts had been circulating about its participation in the World Cup from the very last moment.
America did not allow them to set up their training camp in Arizona as planned, so they were forced to set it up across the border in Tijuana, Mexico.
The Iranian national team was forced to travel back and forth to the United States repeatedly, which reduced their preparation time within America and negatively affected the players' recovery after matches, according to their coach.
