Seattle, June 27 -- Iran defender Ramin Rezaeian fought back tears after his side's 1-1 draw against Egypt, apologising to supporters and expressing hope that the team could still lift the spirits of the nation by reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage.

Fars News Agency shared a post on X in which Rezaeian talked about his emotions after the match.

"I don't know why I'm so unlucky; I hope we get promoted so that the people's mood improves. People of Iran, we love you so much, forgive us," Rezaeian said with a shaky voice after being named Player of the Match.

The emotional full-back delivered a standout display in Seattle, scoring Iran's equaliser as Team Melli finished third in Group G behind Belgium and Egypt. While Egypt se...