@sbsnews_au: Iran's players said adversity has forged a stronger sense of unity in the squad after they held heavily favoured Belgium to a 0-0 draw in their Group G World Cup match on Monday, giving them a chance to reach the knockout stage for the first time. The result was another display of resilience from a team whose tournament has unfolded under extraordinary circumstances. Due to measures imposed by the US government, the Team Melli squad have been forced to stay outside the US between matches, while a number of Iran's team staff and officials have also been banned. Midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh said those difficulties had only strengthened the group. "I think it is part of our culture that in a difficult situation, we perform better," Jahanbakhsh told reporters. For the second straight match in Los Angeles, protesters opposed to the Iranian government gathered before the game. Jahanbakhsh said the team were motivated by the chance to represent Iranians everywhere, regardless of political views or personal beliefs. "We play for all Iranians in Iran, outside Iran, with whatever ideology, whatever preference they have and we make sure to make them happy, because I'm sure at the end of the day they love Team Melli with their hearts and we respect them all," he said. "The most important thing we can do as a team is to perform well and put our heart on the pitch." Iran have never advanced beyond the group stage in six previous World Cup appearances, but Saturday's meeting with Egypt offers them a chance to make history after a campaign defined as much by disruption off the pitch as discipline on it. #FIFAWC2026 Check out the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Hub here @sbsnews_au (link in bio)

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Tuesday 23 June 2026 04:30:01 GMT