World Cup 2026: Iran say they have been treated unfairly by USA

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said his country was treated “unfairly” by the United States during the World Cup and called on FIFA to intervene in the future.

Iran is competing in the World Cup amid the country’s conflicts with the United States and Israel.

World Cup training centers were shifted from Arizona to Tijuana in Mexico before the tournament started, and they face travel restrictions throughout the tournament.

In their first two games in Los Angeles, the Iran team was only allowed to enter the United States the day before the game and had to leave again the same day as the game due to visa requirements.

Iran drew 1-1 with Egypt in their last match in Group G, leaving their hopes of qualifying for the last 32 hanging in the balance.

Travel restrictions were eased for the game in Seattle, allowing them to arrive two days early, but they had to return to Tijuana after the game.

Ghalenoei said: “I want to tell my players and my team that I am proud of them. What these young people, these players have done needs to be recorded in history because the host country treated us very unfairly.

“Despite all these problems, we managed to perform well and the world is proud of the Iranians and our team.

“I appeal to FIFA: do not allow hosts to treat players and teams in the same way at future World Cups.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has previously said the organization was successful in ensuring Iran could compete in the World Cup.

Infantino said before the tournament started: “When people were saying it was impossible for Iran to come to the World Cup, I promised them they would come.”

“I don’t know who else could have guaranteed that Iran could come and play under these conditions that we could not influence.”

Infantino later visited the Iran dressing room following their opening draw against New Zealand.