Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has launched a scathing criticism of FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, describing the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a “disaster” for his national team due to ongoing visa complications, travel disruptions and logistical challenges that have overshadowed their campaign.
The outspoken striker accused football’s governing body of failing to deliver on promises made at the start of the tournament, while Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei urged FIFA to ensure host nations treat every participating team fairly in future competitions.
The controversy emerged despite Iran battling to a valuable draw against Egypt, a result that kept their hopes of progressing to the Round of 32 mathematically alive.
However, instead of discussing football, attention shifted to the difficulties the Iranian delegation says it has experienced since arriving for the tournament.
Visa Problems Continue to Affect Iran’s Campaign
According to members of the Iranian camp, visa complications have prevented several important members of the team’s support staff from joining the squad throughout the tournament.
Reports indicate that 11 senior officials, including logistics and recovery personnel, have been unable to travel with the team, leaving players without the full range of professional support normally available during a major international competition.
The absence of these specialists has reportedly complicated training schedules, player recovery programmes and overall tournament preparations.
Taremi expressed frustration that these issues have remained unresolved despite earlier assurances from FIFA officials.
Speaking after Iran’s latest group-stage fixture, the experienced forward questioned why the governing body had been unable to provide practical solutions.
“It is a disaster World Cup,” Taremi said.
“FIFA should solve every problem here, but unfortunately they have not managed to solve these issues since the beginning.”
The striker recalled that FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the Iranian dressing room after the opening match against New Zealand and reassured the squad that their concerns would be addressed.
According to Taremi, little has changed since that meeting.
Travel Arrangements Add to Players’ Frustration
Another major source of concern for Iran has been the extensive travel required during the competition.
The team has been based in Tijuana, Mexico, but has repeatedly travelled to the United States for matches before returning to its training base.
Taremi insisted the arrangement has placed unnecessary physical demands on the players while limiting their recovery time between fixtures.
Although he praised the hospitality of the people in Mexico, he questioned whether such travel demands were appropriate during football’s biggest tournament.
“We love the people in Tijuana. They are wonderful people,” Taremi explained.
“But as professional footballers competing in the World Cup, this is not the right situation. It is simply not fair.”
He also lamented the absence of recovery experts and logistical personnel, arguing that the squad has repeatedly raised concerns without receiving meaningful assistance.
“If they want us to leave the tournament, then let us leave,” he added.
“But this is not fair. We have complained many times and nobody helps us.”
Head Coach Urges FIFA to Protect Teams
Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei echoed the captain’s concerns while directing much of his criticism toward the tournament’s host nation.
According to the coach, Iran’s preparations were disrupted before the competition even began.
He explained that the team had originally planned to establish its training base in Arizona but was later forced to relocate to Tijuana because of the ongoing political and military tensions between Iran and the United States.
The unexpected change affected travel plans, accommodation arrangements and pre tournament preparations.
Although Ghalenoei acknowledged FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s efforts to reduce the difficulties, he believes greater action should have been taken.
“I know Mr. Infantino tried his best to minimise the problems,” Ghalenoei said.
“But the host did not treat us well.”
The coach urged FIFA to ensure similar situations are avoided at future tournaments.
“I hope FIFA will not allow host countries to treat teams this way again. I hope Mr. Infantino will stand up against such behaviour.”
Team Shows Resilience Despite Challenges
Despite the off field distractions, Iran have remained competitive throughout the tournament.
Ghalenoei praised his players for maintaining their focus under difficult circumstances, pointing out that they have had to deal not only with logistical problems but also with the emotional impact of the ongoing conflict involving their homeland.
He believes the squad has demonstrated remarkable resilience and professionalism.
“Our behaviour on the pitch has shown the character of this team,” he said.
“We have experienced many obstacles, including the situation back home, yet our players continue to fight for the country.”
The coach described the team’s determination as one of their greatest achievements, regardless of whether they ultimately progress beyond the group stage.
Qualification Still Within Reach
Although the controversy has dominated headlines, Iran’s World Cup journey is not yet over.
The draw against Egypt ensured they remain in contention for one of the tournament’s best third placed qualification spots.
The final outcome will depend on results elsewhere, but players and coaches are determined not to let external issues distract them from their remaining objectives.
Should Iran qualify for the knockout phase, attention will inevitably remain focused on whether FIFA responds to the concerns raised by the team.
For now, however, the Iranian camp continues to balance its pursuit of World Cup success with ongoing frustration over the conditions surrounding its participation.
The public criticism from both captain Mehdi Taremi and head coach Amir Ghalenoei has intensified scrutiny of tournament logistics and raised fresh questions about how international football’s governing bodies manage operational challenges during the world’s biggest sporting event.
