Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has launched a scathing attack on FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, over the treatment of his team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the tournament as “a disaster” and accusing football’s governing body of failing to resolve persistent visa and travel problems.
Taremi spoke out after Iran’s hard-fought draw against Egypt, with the striker revealing that several members of the team’s backroom staff have been unable to join the squad because of visa issues.
The forward also expressed frustration over the team’s repeated travel between its base in Tijuana, Mexico, and match venues in the United States, insisting the arrangements have placed Iran at a disadvantage.
According to Taremi, Infantino personally assured the team after its opening match against New Zealand that the problems would be addressed, but little has changed.
“It’s a disaster World Cup; a disaster,” Taremi said, as quoted by The Athletic. “I mean, FIFA, they have to solve every problem here but unfortunately they could not solve it since the beginning. Mr Infantino came to our changing room after the first game against New Zealand and said, ‘It’s just the beginning’.
