Iran captain Taremi blames FIFA for World Cup logistical woes

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi criticised FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino for what he described as a "disaster" World Cup, citing ongoing logistical difficulties for his team. The squad, which had moved its base camp from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico after a military conflict between the United States and Iran escalated, faced repeated travel and visa issues. Taremi said the team lacked logistical staff with proper visas and had to travel from Tijuana for each match, which he said was unacceptable for a professional competition.

"It’s a disaster World Cup; a disaster," Taremi told reporters after Iran’s draw with New Zealand. "FIFA has to solve every problem here but they could not solve it since the beginning."

He added that FIFA president Infantino had visited the changing room after the first game and said the challenges were only beginning, while the group stage was about to end. Taremi questioned the fairness of the situation and asked who would help the team, suggesting that without assistance Iran might have to withdraw.

Iran finished third in Group G after a draw with Egypt and now depends on other group results to advance as one of the best third-place teams. Analysts estimate a high probability of qualification, but the team’s logistical concerns remain unresolved.