Iran captain holding back tears Mehdi Taremilamented to reporters after a dramatic 1-1 draw against Egypt that left their knockout hopes hanging on by the thinnest of threads.
“It’s a World Cup of disaster.” He repeated the word “disaster” like it was a mantra, his eyes red with tears. A poor error-strewn game in Seattle needed late on-field drama to lift itself from being an academic footnote.
Taremi’s tired face bore the remnants of the heartbreak that had unfolded moments ago, the vibrant edge of emotion they had experienced. Perhaps, the sharp penalty – a terrible effort in the context of the game – he missed in the first half, was also simmering in his mind.
In a matter of seconds, Iranian elation turned to sadness, according to the discretion of the machine-made dimensions on the pitch-side monitor. The moment of their redemption led them to endless nights of regret and agonizing waiting for the results of other games.
Iran’s Shoja Khalilzadeh (4) reacts during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Egypt and Iran, Friday, June 26, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsay Wasson)
With three points from as many games, Iran could qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams. But their fate is no longer in their hands. They have to sit, watch and pray all day. They’re used to waiting — until early June, it was uncertain whether they’d even compete, with a war with co-hosts the U.S. looming.
Iran are sixth in the points table and have a reasonable chance of progressing. But a combination of adverse effects can close their doors. If Algeria and Austria draw in Group J, sending both away, DR Congo beat Uzbekistan and Croatia pick up at least a point against Ghana, Iran’s “disastrous” World Cup will end even more disastrously.
If that had happened, few teams would have suffered as much or dealt with as many emotions as they did. The last 10 minutes against Egypt were pure torture. In the 92nd minute of the game, Shoje Khalilzadeh became an unlikely hero when he headed home a rebound from the edge of the box from a free-kick on the left. Pandemonium unfolded on the pitch and in the dugout. He almost tore off his shirt, sinking to the ground, caught in the shirt, and saw the sweat and tears of his teammates. An elderly support staff member kisses him on the forehead, someone brings meme sunglasses, and Khalilzadeh hangs on the floor like a hero. More than a hero. A legend.
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The moment Iran had been waiting for all night. Soon, there was a moment when they would curse. Amidst all the feverish celebrations, the umpire was introducing the prospect’s office, at the VAR’s summons, via the pitchside monitor. It appeared that Khalilzadeh’s right palm and right shoe were in an off-side position. The referee’s words: “After review, the decision has been taken…” Irani must have felt a dagger in his heart.
Late play
But then a sudden burst of energy engulfed them. They attacked Egypt as if their lives depended on the game. Egypt defended with passion and defended a result that would ensure their qualification. Twice he blocked goal attempts. One of them, Egypt centre-back Yasser Ibrahim, hit Ramin Rezaian’s shot straight out of Catenaccio’s book. Seconds later, Saeed Ezzatolahi hit the crossbar with a venomous header.
But it was not for Iran. The whistle that broke them up soon blew. Manager Amir Galenoi angrily kicked the water bottle as far as he could and slumped into his chair in the dugout, his face frozen.
In moments of pain, immediate past sorrows are washed away. Taremi expressed his anger at the “unfair treatment” he received from the beginning. He didn’t even leave FIFA or the US government.
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Players from both teams await a VAR review after Iran’s Shoja Khalilzadeh (4) scored a goal that was later disallowed during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Egypt and Iran, Friday, June 26, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsay Wasson)
“FIFA, they want to solve every problem here but unfortunately they couldn’t solve it from the beginning. After the first game against New Zealand, Mr Infantino came into our changing room and said, ‘This is just the beginning…’ But the group stage ends tomorrow.”
“We don’t have our recovery or logistics people – they don’t have visas. How is it possible that we always have to travel from Tijuana? We always complain about these things but nobody helps, nobody,” he criticized the US’s strict visa policy.
He also sniffed out a conspiracy theory.
“If they want us to get out, fine; let’s get out. But that’s not fair. We have to fight everything here.”
Seattle’s heartbreak will only add to the emotion.