FIFA President Gianni Infantino entered Iran's dressing room immediately following their 2-2 draw with New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on 15 June. He addressed the squad directly: 'I know what you are going through. I understand everything... But you are stronger than all this. You sent a signal to the whole world. Tonight you united the whole stadium around you.' The Iranian players applauded Infantino after his remarks.
Infantino emphasized Iran's significance at the tournament despite the result. 'You owe it to your families, friends, supporters and the world that you are at the World Cup, that you are playing good football. You have two more matches left, and in those two you will again make the world proud,' he said, per RMC Sport.
The moment underscored the political and diplomatic complexities surrounding Iran's participation. Iran's squad operates under restrictions on movement between match days that are not imposed on other nations.
Iran's continued engagement and any further off-field restrictions could impact odds for their remaining Group G fixtures against other nations.
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