Taremi blasts FIFA as Iran endure visa chaos and war tensions at World Cup 2026

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has publicly criticised FIFA over the organisation’s handling of his squad’s World Cup 2026 preparations, as the ongoing war between Iran and tournament co-host the United States continues to cast a shadow over the team’s campaign. The Iranians arrived in the Los Angeles area on Sunday from a training base in Tijuana, Mexico — roughly 140 miles from SoFi Stadium, where they face New Zealand in their group-stage opener on Monday night.

Taremi, the 33-year-old Olympiacos striker appearing at his third World Cup, said the disruption had stripped the tournament of its usual atmosphere. “I have felt the tension from the first moment we arrived at this World Cup,” he said through an interpreter. “At any tournament when there is tension, we won’t have the same beautiful experience we always talk about with peace and joy.”

The US launched missile strikes on Iran on 28 February, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The conflict has since fluctuated in intensity, with President Donald Trump announcing a peace deal earlier on Sunday. Iran had originally planned to base themselves in Tucson, Arizona, but relocated to Baja California after hostilities broke out. FIFA subsequently rejected Iran’s request to stage their group-stage matches outside the United States, citing logistical and contractual constraints.

The problems have not stopped there. A team spokesperson confirmed on Sunday that two members of Iran’s media relations staff were denied US visas ahead of the opening match, and the squad’s travelling supporters have encountered repeated difficulties obtaining match tickets.

“This kind of tension undermines that joy and it undermines the message of FIFA and our people, which is that football brings about peace,” Taremi said. “I feel like this World Cup could have provided a better atmosphere than it has, but I hope in the future it will be better for all fans, whatever team they are supporting.”

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei echoed his captain’s frustration. “Without any doubt, this will impact negatively the spirit of football,” he said. “Football is supposed to bring nations and cultures together.”

Taremi acknowledged that Iran were not alone in facing logistical headaches — “I know several countries had visa problems and changes with training camps” — but the scale of disruption facing his squad has been exceptional given the active conflict between the two nations. How Iran respond on the pitch against New Zealand will be the first test of whether they can compartmentalise the turmoil surrounding their campaign.