Iran calls themselves most oppressed team at 2026 World Cup

Iran's coach Ghalenoei says his team faces unfair treatment and travel restrictions during the 2026 World Cup.

Iran's coach criticizes restrictions Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei described his team as the 'most oppressed' at the 2026 World Cup after sudden travel restrictions were imposed following their opening match. Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their Group G opener on Monday night. Ghalenoei explained that the team expected to stay in Los Angeles for recovery but were ordered to return immediately to their training base in Mexico after the game. He stated that logistical hurdles were making their preparation increasingly difficult but insisted the team would not let these challenges hinder their performance. ## Team's travel plans disrupted Iran had planned to stay in Tucson, Arizona, for the entire World Cup but moved their camp to Tijuana, Mexico, in late May due to visa and logistical complications. After the match against New Zealand, officials instructed the team to leave immediately and board a flight back to their base in Tijuana. Ghalenoei expressed frustration over the sudden changes, saying 'After the game they said to us, "you have to leave immediately".' The coach emphasized that the team's management and media personnel were also unable to travel as planned, creating further complications. ## Security concerns impact participation Iran's participation in the tournament has been complicated by ongoing security concerns linked to conflicts in the Middle East. FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the Iranian team's dressing room following their match with New Zealand, highlighting the ongoing tensions. Several key staff members were denied entry visas to the United States, adding to the team's challenges. The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) called on FIFA to 'uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations' after their ticket allocation was revoked just before the tournament began. ## Upcoming matches and support demands Iran will return to Los Angeles for their second group match against Belgium on June 21 at 20:00 BST, followed by their final Group G game against Egypt in Seattle on June 27 at 04:00. Team captain Mehdi Taremi called the situation a 'disaster' and praised Infantino's visit but urged FIFA to provide more support. Taremi stated, 'It's not good for us. It's not good for the football, because in a World Cup, you have to prepare good for the next game, because it is a lot of stress for the players and staff and everyone.' He added, 'But we don’t have that support, and I think FIFA have to help us more than this.' ## Coach questions decision-making process Ghalenoei questioned the rationale behind the sudden travel orders, saying, 'We don't know why they're returning us, to be honest. I think it's very strange. It seems like others are doing the planning for us.' He revealed that the team was originally supposed to arrive two nights before their first match but was denied entry, and they were expected to stay in Los Angeles for recovery before traveling back the next day. The coach concluded, 'I think our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup. Our federation isn't here, our media isn't here, our management isn't here.'