Taremi slams FIFA over World Cup tension as Iran arrive in Los Angeles amid visa chaos

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi publicly criticised FIFA for allowing political tensions to overshadow the 2026 World Cup, speaking at a press conference in Los Angeles on Sunday ahead of his side’s opening match against New Zealand on Tuesday — a briefing at which FIFA officials had warned reporters to limit questions to sport and tactics.

Taremi said the disruption surrounding Iran’s participation had undermined the tournament’s stated values. “This kind of tension undermines that joy and it undermines the message of FIFA and our people, which is about football and bringing about peace,” the Inter Milan forward said. “I think this World Cup could have provided a better atmosphere than it has, and I hope in the future it will be better for all fans, whoever they are supporting.”

Iran’s involvement in the finals had been in serious doubt since US and Israeli air strikes began in February. The squad relocated their training base to Tijuana, Mexico, in an attempt to sidestep visa complications, but 11 Iranian officials were still denied US visas and unable to cross the border to attend matches. The team eventually arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Taremi noted that Iran were not alone in facing difficulties. “It’s not just Iran that has been impacted; others have been impacted, including referees,” he said, referencing Somali official Omar Artan, who was also denied entry. “I have felt the tension from the first moment we arrived at this World Cup. The feeling, the sensation people always have looking forward to a World Cup — I think this time they hadn’t had the same feeling.”

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei acknowledged the disrupted build-up but struck a more measured tone. “Yes, our camp was changed twice, first in the US and then we were transferred to Mexico. Of course that impacts us,” he said. “But we Iranians are accustomed to making opportunities out of hardship, and I don’t think of anything than bringing joy to our people.”

Late on Sunday night, US President Donald Trump announced he had reached a peace deal with Iran and said he would lift a blockade on Iranian ports. “The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. The development adds a significant geopolitical backdrop to Iran’s tournament opener, though its immediate practical impact on the squad’s situation at the World Cup remains unclear.