Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has launched a scathing attack on the treatment of his side at the FIFA World Cup, branding them the "most oppressed team" in the tournament. The comments came after the team's dramatic 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their Group G opener at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, a match played against a backdrop of political tensions and logistical chaos.
Travel Chaos and Lack of Support
Ghalenoei revealed the extreme difficulties his squad has faced since arriving in the United States, with their preparation severely hampered by a conflict between Iran and the co-hosts. The team were forced to base their training camp in Tijuana, Mexico, and were denied permission to stay near the match venue, leading to exhausting commutes.
"We've spent so much time commuting in the air," Ghalenoei said. "They didn't even give us time to recover after the game today. They said we had to leave immediately. We were asked to return to Tijuana and we are really troubled by that."
He added that the team was not told why they were being rushed back, accusing unnamed authorities of making decisions for them. "It seems like others are doing the planning for us, decisions are made elsewhere," he lamented.
Absent Federation and Infantino's Visit
Captain Mehdi Taremi echoed his coach's frustration, describing the situation as a "disaster" and highlighting the absence of key support staff. "We don't have our President, and no one from staff. Our manager has come here doing the job of the media," Taremi said. The lack of coaching assistants even forced Ghalenoei to handle substitutions without his usual team.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reportedly visited the Iran dressing room after the match, offering words of encouragement and promising to help facilitate visas for more delegation members. Footage showed Infantino telling the players: "You are stronger than everything. This is just the beginning. The whole world is watching you."
Protests and Divided Support
The match saw a stark split in the stands. Outside SoFi Stadium, protesters waved pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flags and chanted anti-regime slogans, while inside, the Iranian-American community—many of whom fled the 1979 revolution—loudly booed the national anthem but then passionately cheered the team throughout the game. The 70,000-strong crowd created a volatile atmosphere that underlined the complex political backdrop.
Ghalenoei's anger extended to the broader treatment of his team, which arrived at the World Cup only after a fragile peace deal ended a bombing campaign by the U. S. and Israel earlier in the year. "Our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup," he said. "The federation is absent. Our media isn't here. Our management team, many of them aren't here."
Key Takeaways
- Iran played their opening World Cup match under severe logistical strain, forced to stay in Tijuana and commute across the border.
- Coach Amir Ghalenoei and captain Mehdi Taremi publicly criticized the lack of support from organizers and the absence of their own federation staff.
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the locker room to offer support and promised assistance with visas.
- The game featured passionate support from Iranian-American fans but also protests against the Tehran regime, highlighting deep political divisions.
- Iran managed a spirited 2-2 draw against New Zealand despite the off-field turmoil, keeping their knockout hopes alive in Group G.
Quick Facts
Coach: Amir Ghalenoei
Captain: Mehdi Taremi
Match Result: Iran 2-2 New Zealand
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
Training Base: Tijuana, Mexico
