Iran Captain Blasts FIFA Over World Cup Treatment

Iran Captain Blasts FIFA Over World Cup Treatment

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has launched a scathing attack on FIFA, accusing the football governing body of failing his team and suggesting tournament organisers would rather see Iran eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Taremi made the remarks after Iran’s dramatic 1-1 draw with Egypt in Seattle, where a late goal that could have secured victory was ruled out for offside. The result left Iran’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage hanging in the balance.

The striker described the tournament as a “disaster,” saying Iran had faced unfair treatment since arriving at the World Cup.

He also claimed FIFA president Gianni Infantino had promised to address the team’s concerns after their opening match against New Zealand but alleged that nothing was done afterward.

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei backed his captain’s criticism, accusing the United States of treating the Iranian delegation poorly and expressing hope that the international community would take notice.

Iran’s preparations for the tournament were disrupted after several members of its World Cup delegation were reportedly denied US visas following this year’s conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The team was subsequently forced to relocate its training base to Mexico.

Asked whether he believed tournament organisers wanted Iran knocked out, Taremi said the team felt it had been forced to battle obstacles throughout the competition and believed it was not being treated fairly.

The draw confirmed Belgium and Egypt as the automatic qualifiers from Group G, leaving Iran to rely on results in other groups to qualify as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

Despite the uncertainty, Taremi said the squad remained determined to make their supporters proud and insisted their message throughout the World Cup had been one of peace for Iranians at home and abroad.