Iran Star Criticizes FIFA Over 2026 World Cup Disaster

After a 1-1 draw with Egypt, Iran captain Mehdi Taremi criticized FIFA, describing the 2026 World Cup as a logistical disaster.

During a conversation with journalists, he denounced the unfair conditions, pointing to the compulsory, exhausting travel between the team’s training base in Tijuana, Mexico, and match venues in the United States, the absence of recovery personnel, and persistent visa problems for essential federation officials.

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He directed his criticism at football’s governing body, asserting that FIFA has not addressed the tournament’s systemic issues since the outset.

“It’s a disaster World Cup. A disaster. FIFA has to solve every problem here, but unfortunately, they haven’t solved it since the beginning.”

“Mr. Infantino came to our changing room in the first game, and he said, It’s just a beginning, but the group stage finishes tomorrow, and we don’t have our logistics people here. They don’t have a visa.”

“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.”

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“But as a professional player, professional competition, it’s not right. It’s about our opinion, because now we have travelled again, going to Tijuana again. So without recovery, without nothing. But in our opinion, it’s not fair. Is it fair for FIFA? Okay, good to them. But it’s not fair.”

“No, we do our best, always do our best. We play for other people. We want them to be happy. We want to bring the joy. We want to send a message of peace to the people. In Iran, outside Iran, for FIFA, for everyone. But there is no peace about the others to us.”