Iran Captain Mehdi Taremi Criticises FIFA Over Difficult World Cup Build-Up

15 Jun 2026

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi and coach Amir Ghalenoei said political tension around the team's World Cup trip has made their campaign unusually difficult. Speaking before the opener against New Zealand in Los Angeles, they argued that the circumstances have affected the spirit of football and disrupted focus. Ghalenoei said Iran would still try to concentrate on tactics and give supporters something positive.