Iran's coach Amir Ghalenoei has stated that his team has been treated "unfairly" by the United States during the World Cup, calling for FIFA to take action in the future. Iran's participation has been overshadowed by ongoing tensions with the U.S. and Israel.
Prior to the tournament, Iran's training base was moved from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, due to travel restrictions. For their first two matches in Los Angeles, the team could only enter the U.S. the day before each match and had to leave immediately after.
In their final Group G match, Iran drew 1-1 with Egypt, leaving their chances of advancing uncertain. Travel restrictions were eased for their game in Seattle, allowing the team to arrive two days early, but they still returned to Tijuana after the match.
Ghalenoei expressed pride in his players despite the challenges, stating, "What these young people have done should be written in history because the host country treated us very unfairly." He urged FIFA to prevent similar situations in future tournaments.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously noted that ensuring Iran's participation in the World Cup was a significant achievement, given the circumstances. He had promised that Iran would be able to compete despite the challenges.
In a dramatic moment during the Egypt match, Iran seemed to have scored a late goal that would have secured their knockout stage spot, but it was disallowed for offside after a VAR review.
Ghalenoei remarked on the team's misfortunes, saying, "I have noticed that we also have bad luck as well." Iran currently sits sixth among third-placed teams, with three groups still to finish.
Team captain Mehdi Taremi described the tournament as a "logistical disaster," questioning the necessity of traveling to Tijuana. He acknowledged the hospitality of the local community but emphasized that such arrangements are not suitable for professional athletes.
