FIFA president delivers heartfelt message to Iran squad after World Cup opener

President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) Gianni Infantino visited the Iran national team dressing room after the team’s opening match at the World Cup and addressed the players, according to The Guardian.

“You showed to your families, friends, to your people, to the world, that you’re in the World Cup, that you perform and you have two more games to go,” Infantino said. “In these two games, you will make again everyone in the world proud of what you do. Thank you for being here.”

“It is also a big, big emotion. I know what you go through, I understand, but you are stronger than everything. You send a strong message to the entire world. Like tonight you united the whole stadium here, you united the whole stadium behind you, behind Team Melli. You are sending such a strong message to the world,” he added.

Infantino continued his emotional address, stressing the broader significance of the team’s performance: “Let me say one more thing: this is just the beginning of the World Cup. You are writing history, the whole world is watching you. Continue to play with your heart, for your people, your families, for your fans and for everyone in the world that is falling in love with Team Melli. You are stronger than everything.”

On June 16, the Iranian national team drew 2–2 with the New Zealand national football team in their first group-stage match.

The Iranian national team will also face the Belgium national football team on June 21 and the Egypt national football team on June 27 in the group stage.

The World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will conclude on July 19. For the first time, 48 teams are participating in the tournament, divided into 12 groups. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Round of 16, along with the eight best third-placed teams.

By Jeyhun Aghazada