Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has launched a scathing attack on FIFA, describing the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a “disaster” for his team after Iran’s 1-1 draw with Egypt left their qualification for the Round of 32 dependent on results elsewhere.
The Inter Milan striker expressed frustration over what he described as persistent logistical failures, travel restrictions and staffing problems that have affected Iran throughout the tournament, questioning whether the team had been given a fair opportunity to compete.
Speaking after the match in Seattle, Taremi said FIFA had failed to resolve issues that had plagued Iran since the start of the competition.
“It’s a disaster World Cup; a disaster. FIFA, they have to solve every problem here but unfortunately they could not solve it since the beginning.”
The Iranian captain revealed that FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the team’s dressing room following their opening match against New Zealand and assured the squad that their concerns would be addressed.
“Mr. Infantino came to our changing room after the first game against New Zealand and said, ‘It’s just the beginning…’ but the group stage finishes tomorrow.”
Despite those assurances, Taremi said many of the problems remained unresolved, including the absence of key logistics personnel who were unable to obtain visas to enter the United States. Reuters previously reported that several Iranian federation officials and support staff were denied U.S. visas, forcing the team to operate with a reduced backroom staff throughout the tournament.
Iran have based themselves in Tijuana, Mexico, because of travel restrictions linked to the geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States. Throughout the group stage, the squad has repeatedly crossed the border to play matches in the U.S., a schedule that Taremi believes has significantly affected player recovery and preparation. Although U.S. authorities later relaxed the rules to allow Iran to arrive earlier before their final group match, the team continued to face logistical complications.
“How is it possible we always have to travel from Tijuana? We love the people in Tijuana. We love Mexico. They are humble people and we love them, but as professional players in a professional competition, it’s not right.”
The 33-year-old insisted his criticism was not directed at Mexico or its people but at what he viewed as an unequal tournament environment.
“It’s not fair. Our opinion is, it’s not fair. Is it fair for FIFA? OK, good to them. But it’s not fair.”
Taremi went further, suggesting Iran had been left to battle circumstances beyond football itself.
“Who wants to help us? If they want us to be out, then OK; let’s get out. But that’s not fair. We don’t have recovery or logistic people to help us. We always complain about these things but no one helps.”
“We have to fight against everything here. I don’t know what people want.”
His comments come after weeks of disruption surrounding Iran’s World Cup campaign. The team has dealt with visa complications, restrictions on staff movements, cross-border travel from its Mexican base and reports of airport delays affecting members of the delegation before the match against Egypt. Coach Amir Ghalenoei has also criticised the arrangements, arguing that the repeated travel has negatively affected the players’ physical preparation.
On the pitch, Iran finished the group stage with three consecutive draws. Against Egypt, Taremi endured a frustrating evening, missing an early penalty and later seeing Iran denied what would have been a dramatic stoppage-time winner when Shoja Khalilzadeh’s goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. The 1-1 draw left Team Melli on three points and awaiting the outcome of other groups to determine whether they would progress as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
As of Taremi’s post-match remarks, FIFA had not publicly responded to his latest criticisms regarding Iran’s logistical concerns.