Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has strongly criticised FIFA over the travel and visa problems his team faced during the 2026 World Cup, calling the tournament “a disaster” after Iran's campaign ended in the group stage.
Iran were eliminated on Saturday after drawing 1-1 with Egypt and missing out on a place in the Round of 32 when Austria scored a late equaliser against Algeria in another Group G match.
The result left Iran unbeaten but out of the tournament with three draws.
Speaking after the match, Taremi said the team's preparations were badly affected because players and staff had to travel repeatedly between Seattle and their base in Tijuana, Mexico, due to U.S. visa restrictions.
“We have to beg.
"We always complain about these things since the beginning.
"It's a disaster World Cup, a disaster,” Taremi said.
He added, “Mr. Infantino came to our changing room in the first game and he said, 'It's just the beginning,' but the group stage finishes tomorrow.”
The striker also said several members of Iran's support staff could not obtain visas.
“We don't have our logistics people here.
"They don't have a visa.
"How is it possible that we always have to travel to Tijuana?” he said.
“As professional players, in a professional competition, it's not right.
"It is not fair.”
Taremi praised the people of Mexico but urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to do more.
“We love the people of Mexico.
"We love Tijuana.
"They are humble people,” he said.
“We play for our people.
"We want to bring joy.
"We want to send a message of peace.
"But there is no peace for us.
"I think Infantino can do more to sort this problem out.”
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei also questioned the treatment of his team, saying they had been “oppressed” by the travel arrangements.
Despite the off-field difficulties, Iran finished the tournament without losing a match but fell short of reaching the knockout stage for the first time in the country's history.
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