Iranian team criticizes World Cup organization, says Gianni Infantino has promised to help

Key Points:

• Iranian head coach Amir Ghalenoei and players Mehdi Taremi and Mohammad Mohebbi criticized World Cup organizers for travel restrictions forcing the team to return immediately to their base camp in Mexico after their match against New Zealand, disrupting recovery and preparation.
• The team faced difficulties with U.S. visas, with 11 Iranian staff members denied entry, limiting the presence of management and media, which Ghalenoei described as oppressive and detrimental to the team’s performance.
• FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the Iranian team post-match, acknowledging their struggles and encouraging them, while the U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated the team had agreed to the travel terms.
• Iranian officials indicated FIFA requested the immediate return to Tijuana, but U.S. government restrictions on Iranian nationals are believed to be the underlying cause, with the team arriving in Los Angeles only a day before their game, further affecting their readiness.
• Players expressed frustration that these constraints negatively impact their ability to compete effectively, calling for greater support from FIFA amid what they described as an unfair and stressful environment.