Baghdad: Iran's ambassador to Mexico praised the players and coaching staff of the national football team for their efforts during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. In a message, Abolfazl Pasandideh wrote, 'What we witnessed from you these days was not just football; it was a narrative of zeal, perseverance, and a love that cannot be measured by any scores.'

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the ambassador highlighted the unprecedented restrictions and difficulties that the national team faced during competitions. 'Despite all challenges, you truly fought for Iran until the very last breath in every minute of every match,' he commented, emphasizing the battles against exhaustion, injustice, and predicaments that were rarely captured through camera lenses.

The diplomat further stated, 'For the Iranian nation, you are not merely a football team; you are heroes who strove to uphold the dignity of Iran, and who ran, fought, and stood firm with all your might to preserve Iran national pride.'

The team's participation in the World Cup was overshadowed by political challenges, with the squad facing travel and visa restrictions imposed by co-host 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.