Iran accuses US of unfair treatment at 2026 FIFA World Cup after controversial exit

Iran has accused the United States of treating its national football team unfairly during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with head coach Amir Ghalenoei calling on FIFA to ensure no participating nation experiences similar conditions at future tournaments.

The criticism followed Iran’s 1-1 draw against Egypt in its final Group G match in Seattle, where the team narrowly missed out on a place in the Round of 32 after other results went against it.

Speaking after the match, Ghalenoei praised his players for persevering through what he described as a series of logistical and travel challenges caused by U.S. restrictions.

“To my players and the team, I want to say I’m proud of them. What these young people have done should be written in history because the host country treated us very unfairly,” Ghalenoei said.

He added that despite the obstacles, his players had represented Iran with determination and professionalism.

“Despite all of these problems, we’ve been able to perform well, and the world is proud of Iranians and our team.”

The Iranian coach urged football’s governing body to take action before future tournaments.

“I urge FIFA: don’t let hosts treat players and teams the same way in future World Cups.”

Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup came amid heightened diplomatic tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

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Before the tournament, the team’s planned training base in Arizona was moved to Tijuana, Mexico, after visa restrictions prevented parts of the Iranian delegation from entering the United States.

Throughout the group stage, Iran was based in Mexico and required to cross the U.S.-Mexico border for matches before returning immediately afterward.

For its opening two matches in Los Angeles, the squad was permitted to enter the United States only one day before kick-off and had to leave on the same day after each match.

Although authorities eased the restrictions before the final group game in Seattle by allowing the team to arrive two days earlier, the delegation was still required to return to Tijuana once the match ended.

Ghalenoei said the repeated travel, limited preparation time and absence of several support staff affected the team’s performance throughout the competition.

Earlier in the tournament, he described Iran as “the most oppressed team” at the World Cup because of the extraordinary logistical challenges it faced.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the governing body’s role in ensuring Iran could compete despite the complex political environment.

Before the tournament, Infantino said FIFA worked extensively with relevant authorities to make Iran’s participation possible.

“When people were saying it would be impossible for Iran to come to the World Cup, I promised them that they would come.

“I don’t know who else would have been able to ensure, in these circumstances—which we could not influence—Iran could come and play.”

Infantino also visited Iran’s dressing room after the team’s opening match against New Zealand, where he reportedly reassured players that FIFA was working to resolve the logistical issues.

Iran appeared to have secured automatic qualification for the knockout stage when defender Shoja Khalilzadeh scored deep into stoppage time against Egypt.

However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside, leaving Iran’s qualification hopes dependent on results elsewhere.

Reflecting on the disappointment, Ghalenoei said:

“I used to think that we were really a totally oppressed team, but after these three games, I have noticed that we also have bad luck as well.”

Iran’s hopes were eventually ended after a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser in another Group G fixture denied the team a place among the best third-placed teams advancing to the Round of 32.

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi also criticised the tournament’s logistics, describing the experience as a “disaster” because of the travel arrangements imposed on the squad.

According to Taremi, several members of Iran’s logistics and recovery staff were unable to enter the United States after being denied visas, placing the team at a competitive disadvantage.

“How is it possible we always have to travel to Tijuana? We love the people of Mexico. We love Tijuana; it’s so good. They are such humble people. We love them.

“But as professional players, in a professional competition, it’s not right.”

He added:

“It’s a disaster World Cup; a disaster. FIFA has to solve every problem here, but unfortunately they could not solve it since the beginning.”

The White House has defended the travel arrangements, saying they were introduced for security reasons amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

U.S. officials said discussions with FIFA continued throughout the tournament and noted that some travel restrictions were relaxed for Iran’s final group-stage match in Seattle after concerns were raised by the Iranian Football Federation.

Despite the off-field challenges, Ghalenoei commended his players for remaining focused and competitive throughout the tournament, saying they had earned respect for their resilience under exceptionally difficult circumstances.

Iran accuses US of unfair treatment at 2026 FIFA World Cup after controversial exit