FIFA World Cup 2026: 'Conditions are very difficult for us', says Iran head coach Ghalenoei after Belgium draw
Los Angeles, June 22
Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei hailed his players' resilience after their hard-fought goalless draw against Belgium at the FIFA World Cup 2026, while stressing that Team Melli face a difficult recovery process ahead of a crucial final Group G clash against Egypt.
Iran earned a valuable point against the world's 10th-ranked side at SoFi Stadium, with goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand delivering a standout performance to frustrate the Belgian attack. The result followed Iran's 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening match and left them second in the group standings, firmly in contention for a place in the Round of 32.
According to the Iranian news agency ISNA, Ghalenoei pointed to the extraordinary challenges his team has faced in recent months, while speaking after the match.
"Before I answer the question, I want to go back to the past six months; six months ago, we were in a state of war and our league was closed. We were on the road for 40 hours to go to another country and play," he said, as per ISNA.
The Iranian coach added that visa complications, travel disruptions and a lack of preparation for matches had hampered the team's World Cup build-up.
"We entered the World Cup in the worst possible conditions, and I wanted the whole world to know this," Ghalenoei said.
Despite those obstacles, the coach believed Iran were capable of beating Belgium.
"We witnessed a very beautiful match, and we played against the 10th-ranked team in the world. They had great players and a great coach. Both they could have won against us, and we had a chance to win," he said.
"Overall, it is a good achievement that we achieved a draw in two consecutive games under these conditions. We arrived at the match venue with less than 16 hours to go, and this is an achievement that will go down in history, and players will be remembered for their greatness," he added.
Iran thought they had found a breakthrough during the contest, while also creating two clear-cut opportunities that were denied by Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Belgium, meanwhile, were reduced to 10 men after Nathan Ngoy's second-half dismissal.
Ghalenoei reserved special praise for Beiranvand, whose seven-save display earned him the Superior Player of the Match award.
"He is one of the most honoured goalkeepers in Iranian history and is very intelligent and experienced, and today was one of his good days," the coach said, according to Iranian news agency ISNA.
Attention now turns to Saturday's decisive encounter against Egypt in Seattle, with qualification still within reach for Iran.
"We have to go and fly right now, and it's exhausting. They won't even let us recover," Ghalenoei said. "We have to show up with a special plan against Egypt. They have great players like Belgium. We need to recover more than anything now."
The head coach further said, "No team in the world makes two trips in 16 hours. The conditions are very difficult for us. Our players really sacrifice and go out on the field with their hearts, and history will remember them as great."
Following the match, Iran's players left an emotional handwritten message in the SoFi Stadium dressing room, thanking supporters for their backing throughout the tournament and expressing pride in representing the nation.
With two points from two matches, Iran know a positive result against group leaders Egypt could secure a historic place in the knockout rounds.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The conditions Ghalenoei described are heartbreaking. 40 hours of travel, no proper preparation, and still drawing against Belgium—that's pure grit. But I hope FIFA and the organizers ensure fair treatment for all teams, not just the big names. India understands visa struggles very well, and it's inspiring to see Iran overcome such odds.
I wonder why FIFA doesn't step in when teams face such discrimination. Two trips in 16 hours? That's insane. Iran is showing the world what football means to people who have nothing else. Their journey to the Round of 32 would be legendary. Best of luck against Egypt!
As an Indian, I find this truly touching. When your country is in turmoil, sports becomes the only hope. Beiranvand's performance reminds me of our own MS Dhoni-like calmness under pressure. The handwritten message from players shows their love for the nation. Iran, you've earned a fan in me. 🇮🇷🤝🇮🇳
Yes, Iran is showing amazing resilience, but we must also acknowledge the challenges FIFA creates for smaller nations. Why should Iran travel 40 hours when Belgium gets a direct flight? The World Cup should be about fair play on and off the pitch. That said, Ghalenoei's tactical genius deserves applause. Holding Belgium to 0-0 is no joke.
I'm not a big football fan, but this story moved me. Iran is literally fighting on two fronts—on the field and at home. The players are sacrificing their
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