Mehdi Taremi, the captain of Iran’s national football team, has publicly condemned FIFA and its leader, Gianni Infantino, regarding the poor handling of his squad at the 2026 World Cup. Taremi labeled the tournament a disaster, citing ongoing visa and travel struggles that have hindered the team’s preparation.
The criticism followed a draw against Egypt. Taremi pointed out that essential backroom staff members remain absent due to unresolved visa issues. Furthermore, the constant travel required between the team’s Tijuana, Mexico, base and U.S. match venues has created an unfair professional disadvantage, according to the forward. Despite personal promises from Infantino after the opening match against New Zealand, Taremi claims no improvements have been made.
Taremi expressed his frustration to the media, questioning how a professional tournament can continue when staff members like recovery and logistics personnel are denied entry. The player emphasized that these inequities feel intentional, adding that their persistent grievances have been met with silence. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei has also requested that FIFA step in to guarantee equitable treatment for the Iranian delegation.
