Infantino visits Iran dressing room after dramatic World Cup draw

• FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited Iran’s dressing room after the 2-2 draw with New Zealand
• Iran officials criticized tournament logistics following the match
• Team Melli twice came from behind to secure a point in Group G

FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited Iran’s dressing room following the team’s dramatic 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their opening Group G match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The visit came after a tense and emotional contest in Los Angeles, where Iran twice recovered from behind to earn a point.

According to footage shared online, Infantino addressed players and staff after the match, praising the team’s performance under pressure.

“You showed to your families, friends, to your people, to the world, that you’re in the World Cup, that you perform,” Infantino told the squad.

He added: “You are stronger than everything. You send a strong message to the entire world.”

The FIFA president’s appearance was widely viewed as recognition of the challenges surrounding Iran’s participation and the heightened attention around the team during the tournament.

Despite the result, frustration remained inside the Iranian camp.

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei and captain Mehdi Taremi reportedly raised concerns over travel and scheduling arrangements, saying the team had been required to leave shortly after the match for its base in Tijuana, Mexico.

“Everything is like a disaster, actually, for us,” Taremi said after the game.

Ghalenoei also criticized the conditions surrounding the team’s preparations and said the squad would continue focusing on its campaign despite the difficulties.

On the pitch, New Zealand took the lead twice through Elijah Just, but goals from Mohammad Mohebi and Ramin Rezaeian earned Iran a share of the points.

Iran now turns attention to the next stage of its Group G campaign.