Iran coach urges Infantino to address US treatment of team at World Cup 2026

Iran's head coach, Amir Ghalenoei, has publicly slammed the United States' treatment of his team during the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, labeling it 'unfair' and a 'disaster World Cup'. The Iranian squad, forced to base in Tijuana, Mexico, has navigated strict US visa restrictions for key staff members and endured gruelling immediate return flights to Mexico after each match, severely impacting their preparation and recovery for the global tournament. These significant logistical hurdles, including the denial of visas for at least 11 crucial support staff, are rooted in heightened tensions amidst the ongoing US-Iran war, leading to Team Melli's base camp being controversially moved from Tucson, Arizona, to Mexico even before the tournament officially kicked off. Despite a dressing room visit from FIFA President Gianni Infantino offering words of encouragement, both Ghalenoei and captain Mehdi Taremi expressed deep frustration, stating that FIFA interventions have done little to ease the 'oppressed' team's challenges during their three group stage matches. As Iran now waits for other results to determine if they've secured a spot in the Round of 32, Ghalenoei has urged FIFA to actively intervene and prevent host nation from imposing such 'terrible' behaviour and logistical burdens on participating teams in future tournaments. This ongoing situation sharply highlights how complex geopolitical conflicts can directly spill into the sporting arena, raising critical questions about FIFA ultimate responsibility to ensure fair play and equal treatment for all nations competing on the world stage.