Taremi slams FIFA as Iran's World Cup fate hangs on other results

Waiting game after Egypt draw

Iran 1–1 Egypt, and now you wait (5). Two points from two games after the 0–0 with Belgium. It might be enough to go through. It might not. The result leaves everything hanging on other results in the group (1).

Taremi unloads on FIFA

Mehdi Taremi did not hold back. The Iran captain called this a "disaster" World Cup and went directly at Gianni Infantino (2) (3) (5). "Mr Infantino came to our changing room after the first game and said, 'It's just the beginning,' but the group stage finishes tomorrow," Taremi said. He added that Iran's logistics staff were denied visas and the team has been forced to travel from Tijuana repeatedly (2) (3) (5). "No one helps us" (3).

Ghalenoei: USA treated us unfairly

Amir Ghalenoei added his own criticism. The Iran coach said the host nation has treated his team very unfairly throughout the tournament (6). The accusation lands with weight given the broader political backdrop, though Ghalenoei's focus stayed on the logistics and conditions his squad has faced (4) (6).

Fan reactions

Supporters online are nervous. The "Disgrace of Gijón" is being mentioned, the 1982 match that forced FIFA into simultaneous kickoffs, and fans worry a similar mutually beneficial result could sink Iran's chances. Taremi's quotes about Infantino have lit up r/soccer, with clips of his press conference spreading fast. Read the full thread