Video: Ghalenoei urges Infantino to confront U.S. over “worst conditions” for Iran at 2026 World Cup
Abdullateef Fowewe
Iran coach Amir, Ghalenoei has urged FIFA president, Gianni Infantino to confront the United States over what he described as unacceptable treatment of Team Melli at the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking with the press on Saturday, he said political tensions and restrictive host-nation policies have left his squad operating under “the worst conditions possible.”
“The world is now proud of Iran, Iranians, and our team,” Ghalenoei said after Iran’s 1-1 draw with Egypt on Saturday.
“Despite all the obstacles, all the hurdles they put in our way. I know Mr Infantino has tried his best to minimise our problems as much as possible. But it was the host who wasn’t very good to us.
“Please, I urge FIFA, don’t let hosts treat players and teams the same way in future World Cups. And I hope Mr Infantino will, you know, actually stand up to such behaviour.”
Ghalenoei’s remarks follow a string of complaints by the Iranian camp about logistical and diplomatic barriers that officials say disrupted the team’s preparations.
Iran were required to base in Tijuana, Mexico, for parts of the tournament and make repeated cross-border trips into the United States for matches, a schedule the coach says caused travel fatigue and curtailed recovery and training time.
He and captain Mehdi Taremi have repeatedly called the experience a “disaster” for the squad.
Team officials also allege visa denials for several staff and federation representatives, strict immigration checks, and orders to depart host cities immediately after games — constraints they blame for cancelled friendlies, late arrivals to training, and other preparation setbacks.
Despite those hurdles, Iran remained unbeaten in the group stage with results including draws against New Zealand (2-2) and Belgium (0-0) before the 1-1 tie with Egypt at Lumen Field.
The Egypt match on Saturday featured an early goal from Mahmoud Saber in the fifth minute and an equaliser from Ramin Rezaeian in the 14th.
Iran appeared to have snatched a dramatic 93rd-minute winner before VAR ruled the goal offside, denying what would have been a late qualification surge.
Ghalenoei praised Infantino’s efforts to ease Iran’s difficulties but said the ultimate responsibility lay with the tournament hosts.
“The host wasn’t very good to us,” he said, framing his appeal as both a call for immediate intervention and a warning that future World Cups must protect teams from political interference by hosts.
