Iran have had several visa and travel issues to contend with since arriving in North America for the 2026 World Cup.
Following a group stage game in Los Angeles earlier this month, Iran manager Amir Ghalenoei said the team was told, ‘You have to leave immediately’.
Now, captain Mehdi Taremi has spoken out about all the problems his country have faced, suggesting this year’s World Cup has been a disaster and that ‘nobody helps’.
Iran captain Mehdi Taremi says, ‘It’s a disaster World Cup’
Iran’s final group game of the tournament took place on Friday night, seeing them draw 1-1 with Egypt to secure third place.
They are now due to return to their team base in Tijuana, Mexico, before learning if they have done enough to qualify for the Round of 32 as one of the best third-place teams.
Ahead of leaving the US, Taremi spoke to reporters about the ‘disaster’ World Cup, as quoted by The Athletic.
He said: “It’s a disaster World Cup; a disaster. I mean, FIFA, they have to solve every problem here but unfortunately, they could not solve it since the beginning. 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.
“We don’t have our logistic people here, they don’t have a visa. 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 a professional player in a professional competition, it’s not right.
“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. 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, no one.”
At present, Iran will qualify for the Round of 32 and face Switzerland on July 2.
That match would take place outside of the USA, instead being held at BC Place Vancouver in Canada.
However, as a number of teams still have to play their final group games this weekend, Iran’s future could yet change.
Read more:
