FIFA and America Are Treating The Iranian National Soccer Team Like Terrorists

Iran’s national football team is accusing FIFA and U.S. authorities of creating unnecessary obstacles during the 2026 World Cup, with players and coaches describing their experience as exhausting, unfair, and politically charged. To be honest, I 100% agree with them. As a former athlete, a country's geopolitical position has nothing to do with its civilian athletes.

Via CNN

Following Iran’s incredible 2-2 draw against New Zealand in Los Angeles, head coach Amir Ghalenoei told the press that the squad was ordered to leave the city immediately after the match rather than remain overnight for recovery as originally planned. Instead, players were forced to return to their training base in Tijuana, Mexico, before flying back to the United States for their next match. They were also held up at the airport for hours before they were allowed to fly.

“We are the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup,” Ghalenoei told reporters. “They keep creating more hurdles for us, but we will not let that stop us.”

The logistical issues have followed Iran throughout the tournament. Originally planning to train in Arizona, the team relocated to Tijuana over concerns about U.S. immigration restrictions. Those fears proved well-founded when multiple Iranian support staff were denied visas to enter the United States, leaving the delegation without key analysts, media officers, and federation officials. Team coaches and members were forced to watch the match in Tijuana due to visa issues.

Captain Mehdi Taremi said the team’s journey from Tijuana to Los Angeles took roughly five hours due to immigration procedures before they headed directly to training. After playing one of the tournament’s most entertaining opening matches, players were once again told to immediately board a plane back to Mexico instead of recovering overnight.

“It’s not good for football,” Taremi said, arguing that the constant travel and uncertainty make it far more difficult for players to recover and prepare for upcoming matches.

Midfielder Mohammad Mohebi echoed those concerns, warning that the exhausting schedule increases the risk of muscle injuries and fatigue as Iran continues its World Cup campaign.

The team’s frustrations were significant enough that FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the dressing room after the match, telling players they had inspired fans around the world and urging them to continue representing their country with pride despite the challenges they face.

While criticizing FIFA’s tournament logistics, Ghalenoei praised Mexico and the people of Tijuana for welcoming the Iranian delegation, saying they had made the team “feel at home” during a difficult tournament experience.

Despite immigration delays, travel disruptions, and missing staff members, Iran fought back twice to secure a 2-2 draw in one of the World Cup’s standout opening matches, an impressive performance under extraordinary circumstances.

Proud to be Iranian and support team Melli, forever and always. <3