Iran have had to deal with a difficult World Cup schedule in the United States.
Political tensions and travel limitations have created a different experience for Amir Ghalenoei’s squad.
Despite that, Iran’s players are still receiving major support during their first group-stage matches.
Adam Crafton reports huge Iran support against Belgium
The Athletic journalist Adam Crafton highlighted the backing Iran received during Sunday’s group-stage match against Belgium in Los Angeles.
He wrote on X: “Huge support for Iran in Los Angeles. It’s been a mess diplomatically but whatever political stripes of those attending, it was always a hot ticket in a region with strong Iranian diaspora. FIFA had already sold over 50k tickets for their two games there by mid-April.”
That support mattered on another complicated day for Iran, as the match ended in a goalless draw, their second draw of the World Cup group stage.
Belgium were reduced to ten men in the second half, but Iran could not take full advantage of that opening.
There was also frustration before kick-off. Ghalenoei’s squad reportedly arrived in the United States only 18 hours before the match, prompting complaints about being treated differently from other countries.
Iran still alive for historic knockout stage place
Even with that frustration, the result can still be viewed positively.
Belgium are the strongest side in the group on paper, so avoiding defeat keeps Iran’s campaign alive.
The disappointment is that the red card gave them a chance to do something even bigger.
Still, Iran have not lost either of their first two matches.
That leaves them in contention to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history, depending on their third round result.
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