Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has launched a scathing criticism of FIFA, describing the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a “disaster” following Iran’s third consecutive draw, this time against Egypt, a result that leaves their qualification hopes hanging on other matches.
Speaking to the media, Taremi expressed deep frustration over what he called unacceptable organisational failures, ranging from visa complications to extreme travel demands placed on the Iranian squad.
This was Taremi’s statement:
“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. Mr. Infantino came to our changing room after the first game against New Zealand and said, ‘It’s just the beginning…’ but the group stage finishes tomorrow.
We don’t have our logistics staff here, they don’t have visas. How is it possible that 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 professional players in a professional competition, it’s not right. It’s not fair.
Our opinion is that it’s not fair. Is it fair for FIFA? OK, good for 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 logistics staff to help us. We always complain about these things, but no one helps.
No one. We have to fight against everything here. I don’t know what people want. From our perspective, I think they like it this way. How is it possible that after playing 90 minutes, we have to travel all the way back to Tijuana?”
Softfootball understands that Iran have been dealing with significant visa issues, preventing key logistics and recovery staff from joining the team. This has forced the players to operate with limited support while enduring long, repeated travel between match venues and their base in Tijuana, Mexico.
