India, June 19 -- As Iran returns to the global spotlight, its football team has become an unlikely vessel for national memory, resilience and a civilisation's refusal to forget

FIFA's 20th-ranked team, ie, Iran, is not amongst the frontrunners to win the 2026 Football World Cup. Yet it is amongst the most talked-about teams participating. Much like the nation in the midst of its war with the United States of America and Israel, it is built around a solid control framework, with a highly defensive ability to counterpunch and transition through its battle-hardened players. It can spring surprises when least expected.

Perhaps the most symbolically poignant image to come out of the tournament was the sight of Iranian footballers wearing "#...