‘The host country treated us unfairly’: Iran hit out at FIFA over U.S. travel woes after Egypt draw

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei and captain Mehdi Taremi launched a scathing attack on FIFA and tournament organisers after their dramatic 1-1 draw against Egypt on Friday, claiming travel restrictions and logistical failures had severely hampered the team’s FIFA World Cup campaign.

Iran was left in limbo after a stoppage-time winner was ruled out for offside following a VAR review, leaving Team Melli dependent on other results to determine whether they advance to the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

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But the disappointment on the pitch was overshadowed by frustration off it, with both Ghalenoei and Taremi criticising the travel arrangements that forced the squad to operate from Tijuana, Mexico, throughout the group stage because of restrictions on entering the United States.

“The host country treated us very unfairly,” Ghalenoei said after the match.

“Had we been allowed to arrive two weeks earlier, we would have been much better prepared physically and mentally. We were deprived of that opportunity, and I hope FIFA ensures future host nations don’t treat teams this way.”

The coach also revealed that Iran had to return to Tijuana immediately after the Egypt match, leaving little time for recovery as the squad awaits confirmation of its World Cup fate.

“If we qualify, the players deserve a proper day to recover and mentally refresh. They’ve given everything despite the circumstances,” he added.

Taremi echoed his coach’s frustrations, describing the tournament logistics as “a disaster” and questioning FIFA’s handling of the situation.

“We’ve been complaining since the beginning. This is a World Cup disaster,” the striker said.

“We have to travel back to Tijuana again without proper recovery. We love the people of Mexico, but this isn’t fair in a professional tournament.”

The Iran captain also claimed several members of the team’s support staff had been unable to obtain visas, forcing the squad to compete without key logistical personnel despite assurances from FIFA president Gianni Infantino that the issues would be addressed.

“Infantino came to our dressing room after the first game and promised the problems would be solved, but nothing changed. We don’t have our logistics staff, our kit managers or even our media team here.”

While admitting his missed first-half penalty had contributed to Iran’s failure to secure victory, Taremi insisted the team’s biggest challenge had come away from the pitch.

“We did everything we could during the 90 minutes despite everything we’ve faced. Recovery and preparation are part of football, and those small details make a huge difference.”

Iran finished third in Group G with three points after the draw, while Egypt advanced to the knockout stage as group runners-up behind Belgium. Whether Team Melli’s World Cup journey continues will now depend on results elsewhere.