Iran captain slams FIFA over World Cup visa, travel chaos

Iran's captain Mehdi Taremi has launched a scathing attack on FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, over the treatment of his team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Taremi described the tournament as "a disaster" and accused football's governing body of failing to resolve persistent visa and travel problems.

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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.

Taremi spoke out after Iran's draw against Egypt, revealing that several members of the team’s backroom staff have been unable to join the squad because of visa issues. The forward also expressed frustration over the team’s repeated travel between its base in Tijuana, Mexico, and match venues in the United States, insisting the arrangements have placed Iran at a disadvantage.

According to Taremi, Infantino personally assured the team after its opening match against New Zealand that the problems would be addressed, but little has changed. "It's a disaster World Cup; a disaster," Taremi said. "I mean, FIFA, they have to solve every problem here but unfortunately they could not solve it since the beginning."

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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.

Iran has been forced to cope with logistical challenges throughout the tournament. Visa complications reportedly prevent 11 senior team officials from entering the United States. The absence of key logistics and recovery personnel has compounded the difficulties faced by the players. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei also voiced his frustration, calling on FIFA to intervene and ensure his side receives fair treatment from the tournament hosts.

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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.