Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei believes his team’s unbeaten start to the World Cup will go down in football history after a turbulent build-up marked by war-related disruptions, travel complications and limited preparation.
Iran followed its opening draw against New Zealand with another point on Sunday, leaving Belgium held to a 0-0 draw in Los Angeles and moving through to two points in Group G.
Belgium dominated possession with ten men but were unable to break through the disciplined Iranian defence, with goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand producing a string of saves to preserve the result. Iran also threatened on the counter and was close to victory.
Ghalenoei said the result had to be seen in the context of the difficulties his side had faced over the past six months.
«I want to go back six months,» he told reporters. «We were in war conditions for six months; our league was not active.»
The coach said visa delays, travel restrictions and canceled friendlies had seriously disrupted preparations, with players split between those based inside and outside the country.
«Many teams canceled the matches they were going to play against us. We came to the World Cup in the worst possible conditions,» he said.
Iran had less than 16 hours of training before facing Belgium and continues to face demanding travel schedules during the tournament, with the team returning to its base in Tijuana, Mexico before preparing for Friday’s match with Egypt in Seattle.
Despite these challenges, Ghalenoei said avoiding defeat in the first two matches was a milestone.
«Playing without losing in two matches is a great achievement. It will be written in our football history,» he said. “I don’t think any team in the world could have endured such conditions and played like that.”
Ghalenoei had special praise for Beiranvand, calling him “one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of Iranian football” after the veteran’s seven saves earned Iran a valuable point.
“These players give everything and play with their heart,” Ghalenoei said. “History and future generations will remember them.”
Published on June 22, 2026
