Tehran Times - President of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) Gianni Infantino has congratulated Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) on booking a berth in the 2018 World Cup.

Iran national football team advanced to successive FIFA World Cups for the first time in their history Monday night.

Team Melli defeated Uzbekistan 2-0 in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium.

Sardar Azmoun and Mehdi Taremi scored for the Persian Gulf country.

“After a 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan on Monday evening in Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran is the third team – the first in Asia – to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, joining the host country, Russia, and five-time FIFA World Cup winners Brazil,” said Infantino in a letter addressed to FFIRI president Mehdi Taj.

“Having now returned to Switzerland from a trip to Korea Republic and China PR, I would like herewith to congratulate you and your national team on this qualification for the biggest single-event sporting competition in the world,” FIFA President wrote.

“This is the second consecutive and fifth overall qualification to the FIFA World Cup for the Islamic Republic of Iran, having previously appeared at football’s showpiece in 1978, 1998, 2006 and 2014. The achievement of the Team Melli is the result of the determination of everyone involved. My sincere congratulations go to the players, coach Carlos Queiroz, the entire technical and medical staff, and the fans. I wish you all the best and am looking forward to seeing you again soon,” Infantino concluded.   

Top