2026 World Cup: Iran says it is being "mistreated" and denounces a logistical "disaster"

The Iranian team said on Monday that they were "the most mistreated" at the World Cup and denounced a logistical "disaster", referring to the difficulties faced by Team Melli in the context of the war with the United States.

"We are the most abused team in the entire World Cup," declared coach Amir Ghalenoei at a press conference after his team's 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their first World Cup match in Los Angeles.

After months of uncertainty linked to the war in the Middle East, Iran is indeed participating in the tournament but moved its base camp to Mexico at the last minute, rather than settling in Arizona, and saw the United States refuse visas to about fifteen members of its delegation.

Mehdi Taremi explained in the mixed zone that he would have to leave for Tijuana (Mexico) with his team on Monday evening, before returning to Los Angeles to face Belgium on Sunday. "It's a lot of stress for the players, we have little support, I think FIFA could have done better."

"One of our analysts has to come and do the media work, this is all a disaster," he lamented, not wanting to use "excuses" after this frustrating draw, and wishing to keep "hope" for the next two matches.

"We are tired of this situation, we have had many problems in recent months, we just want peace, joy, these are the slogans of FIFA, aren't they?", he added.

The 33-year-old star striker revealed that FIFA president Gianni Infantino had visited the players in the locker room.

"He was asked the same things (...) he wants to help but there are other problems" hindering them, he said without directly mentioning the American administration.

Taremi also thanked "the Los Angeles fans," who strongly supported Team Melli. However, many members of the local Iranian community expressed their hostility towards the Islamic Republic while still cheering on the players.