Our team is the most oppressed’: Iran coach hits out at Fifa and US over treatment | World Cup 2026
Iran’s national team captain Mehdi Taremi and head coach Amir Ghalenoei have criticized FIFA and hinted at resentment toward the U.S. government after the team was ordered to leave Los Angeles immediately following a 2-2 draw against New Zealand. According to team officials, the squad faces severe logistical hurdles, including visa denials for support staff and a forced relocation of their training base to Tijuana, Mexico.
The team was told to depart Los Angeles immediately after Monday night’s match, bypassing planned recovery time. Coach Ghalenoei described Iran as the “most oppressed” team at the tournament, noting that they were forced to return to their camp in Tijuana despite the need for physical recovery.
Captain Mehdi Taremi described the overall situation as a “disaster.” He stated that the team expressed these concerns directly to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who visited the squad in their dressing room after the game.
Why is the Iran national team facing travel restrictions?
The team abandoned its planned training base in Tucson, Arizona, weeks before the tournament to avoid immigration concerns. These concerns were confirmed when 15 support staff members were initially denied visas to enter the U.S., where all of Iran’s group stage games are scheduled. That number was later reduced to 11 after some visas were approved.
Because of these restrictions, the team now trains in Tijuana, Mexico, and flies into the U.S. shortly before matches. Taremi reported that a short trip from Tijuana to Los Angeles recently took five hours due to immigration processes.
How are visa denials affecting Team Melli?
The squad arrived in Los Angeles without their federation president, Mehdi Taj, as well as their media officers and several analysts. During a press appearance, a team analyst had to serve as a stand-in media aide for Taremi and Mohebi, while a FIFA official repeatedly tried to stop the players from answering questions.
Coach Ghalenoei highlighted the isolation of the team, stating that their management, media, and federation are all absent from the tournament. However, Ghalenoei praised the Mexican government and the people of Tijuana for making the team feel at home.
What could happen to the team’s performance?
Players Mehdi Taremi and Mohammad Mohebi warned that immediate departures and travel delays may negatively affect their performance. Mohebi specifically cited the risk of fatigue in the hamstrings, lower back, and glutes due to the lack of recovery time between travel and training.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino told the squad they are “writing history” and encouraged them to play with their hearts for their fans and families. While Infantino acknowledged the team’s struggles, the squad’s ability to advance may depend on whether FIFA provides more support to reduce player stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did the Iran team move its training base to Mexico?
The team moved from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, to avoid immigration concerns regarding visa entries into the United States. - Who was missing from the Iranian delegation in Los Angeles?
The team was missing federation president Mehdi Taj, their media officers, and some analysts. - What was the result of the match against New Zealand?
The match ended in a 2-2 draw.
Do you believe international sports governing bodies should have more influence over national visa processes to ensure athlete recovery?
