Iran captain Mehdi Taremi criticises Fifa over World Cup disruptions
Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has criticised Fifa for the disruptions and tension experienced by his squad at the 2026 World Cup amid the ongoing war between co-hosts the United States and his home country.
The Iranian squad arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday ahead of their opening group-stage match against New Zealand.
They travelled from a relocated training base in Tijuana, Mexico, situated just across the border from the tournament co-hosts.
Training camp relocation and visa issues
The national team originally planned to hold their pre-tournament camp in Tucson, Arizona, before the outbreak of conflict in February.
Fifa subsequently rejected a request from the Iranian football federation to play their group-stage fixtures outside of the United States.
Logistical problems have plagued the squad since the relocation, with several delegation members and media personnel denied entry visas.
Travelling supporters have also faced significant complications regarding match tickets and travel arrangements.
Taremi speaks out against tournament atmosphere
The 33-year-old Olympiacos striker expressed his disappointment at the challenging environment surrounding his third major global tournament.
“I have felt the tension from the first moment we arrived at this World Cup.”
Taremi stated through an interpreter.
“This kind of tension, it undermines that joy and it undermines the message of Fifa and our people, which is that football brings about peace.”
The veteran forward added that the situation has diminished the traditional joy and anticipation associated with the competition.
Political backdrop to the sporting event
The sporting disruptions follow a period of severe geopolitical instability that escalated when the US launched military strikes against Iran on 28 February.
Those initial attacks resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Hostilities have fluctuated in the ensuing months, though US President Donald Trump announced a tentative peace agreement earlier on Sunday.
Despite the diplomatic developments, Iranian head coach Amir Ghalenoei remains concerned about the lasting impact on the competition.
“Without any doubt, this will impact negatively the spirit of football.”
Ghalenoei remarked.
