2026 WORLD CUP: Iran says treatment from US has been a ‘disaster’

In a recent statement, Mehdi Taremi, a forward for the Iranian national football team, expressed his discontent regarding the treatment the team received from the United States during their opening group-stage match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match, which ended in a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, was marred by logistical challenges that Taremi described as a 'disaster.' Unlike other teams that were allowed to remain in the city for post-match recovery, Iran's squad was ordered to return to their base camp in Tijuana immediately after the game. This decision has raised concerns about the team's preparation for their upcoming matches, as Taremi emphasized the importance of adequate recovery time in a tournament of this magnitude. Taremi's comments reflect a broader sentiment among the Iranian players and staff, who feel unsupported in their efforts to compete at the World Cup. He stated, 'It’s not good for us, it’s not good for the football. In the World Cup, you have to prepare well for the next game, and this has caused a lot of frustration for the players and staff.' The forward also hinted at political influences affecting their situation, suggesting that the decisions made were not solely in the hands of FIFA but were influenced by the current US administration. The challenges faced by the Iranian team extend beyond logistical issues. Prior to the tournament, the Iranian soccer federation encountered significant obstacles, including visa denials for several staff members, which limited their ability to communicate effectively. Taremi lamented, 'We don’t have depth because we don’t have our media, we don’t have the president of our federation, we don’t have our vice president, no one.' This lack of support has compounded the difficulties faced by the team, leading to a sense of oppression that manager Amir Ghalenoei described as the most challenging among all teams at the World Cup. Despite these adversities, the Iranian players remain determined to perform their best. Ghalenoei stated, 'They are making the situation more and more difficult, more hurdles, but we’re not going to let that stop us from doing our best.' The team is hopeful that their performance on the field will speak volumes, even in the face of external challenges. As they prepare for their next match, the players are looking to focus on their game and leave the political tensions behind, with Taremi expressing a desire for peace and calm in the world of football.