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Iran stay undefeated on US soil at the FIFA World Cup, memes troll Donald Trump as Team Melli defy war conditions.
Iran players after the 0-0 draw with Belgium (Picture credit: AP)
The Iranian football team’s performance in the United States at the FIFA World Cup has sparked a massive meme frenzy on social media, with users trolling President Donald Trump, who has imposed innumerable curbs on Iran and their footballers in the backdrop of a war.
Team Melli started their Group G campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against New Zealand, before delivering a defensive masterclass on Sunday, June 21, to hold a star-studded Belgium team down to a goalless draw despite playing against 10 men.
What makes Iran’s undefeated run even more intriguing isn’t just their tactical discipline on the field, but the irony surrounding the setting in which it’s unfolding.
Because of the intense geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the USA and Israel, the Iranian team has faced major logistical challenges to participate in the FIFA World Cup. Unable to establish a base within the host nation, they have instead been required to stay across the border in Mexico, enduring a demanding travel schedule and strict security checks just to reach the stadium for games.
Football fans on social media were quick to pick up on the heavy irony of the situation, flooding timelines with a wave of memes about how, despite the off-field chaos, Iran have somehow remained ‘unbeaten’ on US soil.
Speaking after the match, Iran coach Ghalenoei reflected on his team’s tough build-up to the FIFA World Cup, saying that they had endured months of disruption, including an inactive domestic league and cancelled games because of what he described as ‘war conditions’.
A star-studded but ageing Belgium team, featuring Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, were fortunate to come away from Los Angeles with a point. While they dominated possession, they struggled to convert control into clear opportunities, with the best chances instead falling to a disciplined and resolute Iran team.
Iran’s Mehdi Taremi had the ball in the net from a well-worked first-half free-kick routine, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review. In the second half, Belgium were reduced to 10 men when Nathan Ngoy was sent off for bringing down the striker after a mishit backpass.
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