FIFA World Cup 2026: 'We love Mexican people,' says Iran captain Jahanbakhsh after Belgium draw
Los Angeles, June 22
Iran captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Mexican people for their support during the FIFA World Cup 2026, saying the team has developed a special bond with the people of Mexico after relocating its tournament base to Tijuana.
Jahanbakhsh praised the reception his team received in Mexico amid a challenging build-up to the tournament. Iran secured a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Belgium in Los Angeles.
IRNA News Agency shared a video of Jahanbakhsh on X with the caption, "Alireza Jahanbakhsh, captain of the Iranian national team, appreciated Mexican people's hospitality and said, 'We love Mexican people.'"
"Talking about Tijuana, I would love to say we love Mexican people. I think everyone has the same feeling. It's just unbelievable how welcome we were there, and the hospitality there is amazing. And I think there's a really heartfelt feeling between the players of the team and the Mexican people now. And I would like to say, 'Muchas Gracias'!" the Iranian skipper told reporters, as per IRNA News Agency.
Iran moved their World Cup base camp from Arizona to Tijuana before the start of the tournament, following uncertainty surrounding travel and entry arrangements to the United States. Since then, Mexican supporters have turned out in large numbers to back Team Melli during their matches, helping create a home-away-from-home atmosphere.
On the pitch, Iran continued their impressive start to the tournament with a resilient draw against Belgium. Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand produced a standout performance, making seven saves and frustrating the European side throughout the contest. His display earned him the Superior Player of the Match award.
Belgium's task became more difficult when defender Nathan Ngoy was sent off in the 66th minute, but Iran had already demonstrated their defensive discipline and determination to secure a valuable point.
Iran opened their World Cup campaign with an entertaining 2-2 draw against New Zealand and now sit second in Group G with two points from two matches. Egypt lead the group following their victory over New Zealand, while Belgium are third.
Team Melli will now travel to Seattle for a decisive final group-stage encounter against Egypt, with qualification for the Round of 32 still firmly within their grasp.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Mad respect for Iran's defensive performance against Belgium! Beiranvand was absolutely world-class with those 7 saves. 🧤👏 And the fact that Mexican fans are supporting them like their own team shows how football truly unites people. Makes me proud to be a football fan in Asia!
Honestly, this is the kind of sportsmanship we need more of. Iran had to relocate their base due to travel issues with the US, and Mexico welcomed them like family. It shows that humanity is stronger than politics. Jahanbakhsh's "Muchas Gracias" is pure class. 💯
I'm impressed by Iran's resilience - from dealing with relocation to holding Belgium to a draw. But let's not ignore the bigger picture: why did they have to move their base in the first place? The travel restrictions seem unfair. Sports shouldn't be politicized like this. Still, great to see football bringing people together. 🇲🇽❤️🇮🇷
As someone who follows Asian football closely, this makes me emotional! 🥹 Iran is representing Asia with such dignity. The bond they've formed with Mexican fans is special - reminds me of how Indian fans adopted the Afghan cricket team during the 2023 World Cup. Football truly has no borders! 🏆
Tactical masterclass from Iran's coach! 👨🏫 They parked the bus brilliantly against a top European side. But I wonder if they can replicate this against Egypt - they'll need more attacking threat. Still, two draws from two matches
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