Taremi Calls Iran's 2026 World Cup a Disaster as 92% Knockout Odds Hang on Results
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 27
Taremi Calls Iran's 2026 World Cup a Disaster as 92% Knockout Odds Hang on Results
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 27
Summary
Mehdi Taremi blasted FIFA and Gianni Infantino after Iran’s third straight group-stage draw left the team waiting on Saturday’s results to learn whether it reaches the round of 32.
Visa problems have kept Iran’s logistics and recovery staff out of the U.S., forcing the squad to commute from a base in Tijuana for matches and, after Friday’s game in Seattle, fly back to Mexico again.
Taremi said Infantino promised after Iran’s opener against New Zealand that conditions would improve, but argued nothing changed and questioned whether FIFA truly wanted Iran in the tournament.
Iran finished third in Group G after drawing Egypt and can still advance as one of the best third-place teams, though it would be eliminated if Algeria and Austria draw, DR Congo beat Uzbekistan and Croatia avoid defeat to Ghana.
The travel disruption reflects wider fallout from the U.S.-Iran war that began on Feb. 28, after U.S. and Israeli strikes killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and prompted Iranian retaliation.