The 2018 World Cup in Russia began on June 14, 2018. Iran concluded its group stage with one victory, one loss, and one draw against Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. The elimination of Germany, the defending World Cup champion and top-ranked team in the FIFA list, was perhaps the most unexpected event of this tournament.
Recent updates:
21:57 24.4.1397 - Tweet by Ali Motahari, Deputy Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly: "Considering that two-thirds of the French national football team are of African descent, it should be said that the African continent's team became world champions by using several French players." Motahari had previously published a similar text on Instagram after the France-Brazil game, which faced widespread criticism. His tweet tonight has also received numerous negative reactions.
21:43 24.4.1397 - The group Pussy Riot claimed responsibility for four spectators jumping onto the field during the World Cup final. This group opposes Vladimir Putin and has a history of imprisonment and even being whipped in Russia. During the Winter Olympics, images emerged showing security forces whipping several members of this group. Six years ago, Maria Alyokhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova were arrested after performing a protest song called "Punk Prayer" in one of Moscow's major churches, severely criticizing the Orthodox Church's support for Vladimir Putin. The two arrested members were pardoned by the president just two months before the end of their sentence. Maria Alyokhina stated that their release was a propaganda act by the Kremlin. Her view of Putin has not changed, and if possible, she would have remained in prison until the end of her sentence.
21:26 24.4.1397 - The warm and friendly interaction between the presidents of France and Croatia during the World Cup final at Luzhniki Stadium received extensive media coverage worldwide. On social media, the affectionate interaction of Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, the president of Croatia, with players and coaches has had a significant reflection among Iranian users.
21:23 24.4.1397 - Spain was chosen as the winner of the Fair Play award at the World Cup. In the previous tournament, Colombia had received this title. Spain received only one yellow card from Busquets in three group stage matches. In the knockout stage against Russia, after 120 minutes of play, only one yellow card was given to Pique.
21:20 24.4.1397 - Vinko Begovic, a Croatian coach who has been coaching in Iran for two decades, has mastered the Persian language. He has a history of coaching Persepolis, Foolad Khuzestan, and the national U-23 team. Begovic was a guest on the sports network of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting during the World Cup final. He was seen crying when Luka Modric received the World Cup Golden Ball.
21:10 24.4.1397 - Hugo Lloris, the Tottenham goalkeeper and captain of the French national team, received the World Cup trophy from Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, and lifted it above his head. He made a significant mistake in the World Cup final that allowed Mandzukic to score Croatia's second goal.
20:57 24.4.1397 - Kylian Mbappe from France was chosen as the best young player of this World Cup.
20:56 24.4.1397 - Luka Modric from Croatia was named the best player of the World Cup. The Croatian captain received the Golden Ball. Eden Hazard from Belgium and Antoine Griezmann from France ranked second and third.
20:55 24.4.1397 - Thibaut Courtois, the Belgian goalkeeper, was named the best goalkeeper of the World Cup and received the Golden Glove award.
20:54 24.4.1397 - Raphael Varane, a defender of the French national team, joined the limited list of players who managed to win both the UEFA Champions League and the World Cup in one year, including Sami Khedira, Uli Hoeness, Gerd Müller, Franz Beckenbauer, Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck, Paul Breitner, Sepp Maier, Christian Karembeu, and Roberto Carlos.