Tehran: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has praised Iran's national football team for their unity and fighting spirit during the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite facing discrimination and political pressure from tournament co-host the United States. In a post on his official X account on Sunday evening, Baqaei lauded the team for their performance in the face of extraordinary adversity, both on and off the pitch.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Baqaei expressed admiration for the team's dedication and resilience. He commended their ability to overcome inhumane and unconventional pressures, emphasizing the importance of their unity. 'Bravo to Iran's national football team, who, united and with one heart, hit the 'target' and did not allow inhumane and unconventional pressures to stop them from running,' he wrote.

The spokesperson highlighted the significant challenges faced by the team, noting the pressure, narrow-mindedness, discrimination, and restrictions that complicated their participation in the tournament. 'In days when pressure, narrow-mindedness, discrimination, and restrictions had made continuing harder than ever, Iran's national football team proved that victory is overcoming the mindset of submission and despair,' he added.

Baqaei further stressed the emotional impact of the team's efforts. He noted that beyond the results on the field, the team provided passion, excitement, smiles, and a reminder of the inviolable common ground cherished by all Iranians: their homeland. 'Perhaps more important than the result was what they gave us during these days: passion, excitement, smiles, and most importantly, this significant yet profound reminder that there is an inviolable common ground for all of us, which we hold dear with all our being: a gem called homeland, 'Iran,'' Baqaei stated.

The team's participation in the World Cup was overshadowed by political challenges, with the squad facing travel and visa restrictions imposed by the United States. The team was forced to relocate their training base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, and was initially only permitted to enter the US one day before matches, departing immediately after.