Jahanbakhsh vows to unite Iran as national anthem boos intensify at World Cup 2026

Iran captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh has pledged to represent all Iranians after the national anthem was met with a torrent of boos during the team’s 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage matches at Los Angeles Stadium, with the hostile reaction intensifying across their opening two fixtures.

During Iran’s goalless draw against New Zealand, the anthem drew a mixed response — a blend of jeers and cheers that shifted in tone before it concluded. By the time Iran faced Belgium in their second group game, which also ended 0-0, the reaction had grown markedly more hostile, with cascading boos appearing to grow louder as the anthem played out.

Speaking to reporters after the Belgium stalemate, Jahanbakhsh addressed the divided atmosphere with a measured appeal for unity. “We take both. I think there are good days, bad days for every team, and also, like I said, we play for all the Iranians in Iran, outside Iran, with whatever ideology, whatever preferences they have, and we make sure to make them happy, because I’m sure at the end of the day, they love the team from the heart, and we respect them all,” the captain said.

He added that the squad’s primary responsibility was to perform on the pitch. “The most important thing we can do as a team is to perform well, to make sure we put our heart on the pitch, and to do everything to make them happy. For the rest, I think that’s something we have to respect — people, whatever idea they have — and the best thing we can do is to play football.”

Despite the off-field tension, Iran remain in contention to advance from Group G. Two draws from two matches leaves them needing a win against Egypt on Friday to secure a place in the Round of 32. Egypt lead the group standings after Mohamed Salah inspired a 3-1 comeback victory over New Zealand, while Belgium face the All Whites in the group’s other concluding fixture.

Jahanbakhsh acknowledged the scale of the opportunity ahead while insisting the squad’s focus remains on making the Iranian people proud, whatever their political outlook. The captain’s careful, inclusive language reflects the broader tension surrounding Iran’s participation at the tournament — one in which the football itself has repeatedly been overshadowed by the reaction to the anthem in the stands.