Iran’s head coach, Amir Ghalenoei, has accused the United States of treating his team unfairly during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging FIFA to ensure future host nations provide equitable conditions for all competing teams.

The criticism came after Iran ended their Group G campaign with a 1-1 draw against Egypt, leaving their chances of making the Round of 32 contingent on the outcomes of other groups.

Ghalenoei explained that his players had to make difficult travel arrangements during the tournament since their intended training camp in Arizona was shifted to Tijuana, Mexico, before the competition began.

Because to visa constraints, Iran’s squad could only enter the United States one day before each game and had to leave the same day after the contests.

Although the team was permitted to arrive two days before their last group game against Egypt in Seattle, they were nevertheless compelled to return to Tijuana immediately following the game.

“To my players and the team, I want to say to them I’m proud of them. What these young people, these players have done, it should be written in history because the host country treated us very unfairly,” Ghalenoei said.

“Despite all of these problems, we’ve been able to perform well and the world is proud of Iranians and our team.”

He added: “I urge FIFA: don’t let hosts treat players and teams the same way in future World Cups.”

Iran thought to have sealed automatic qualifying when Shoja Khalilzadeh scored in stoppage time against Egypt, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

“I used to think that we were really a totally oppressed team, but after these three games, I have noticed that we also have bad luck as well,” Ghalenoei added

Captain Mehdi Taremi also criticised the tournament logistics.

“How is it possible we always have to travel to Tijuana? We love the people of Mexico. We love Tijuana, it’s so good, they are so humble people. We love them.

“But as professional players, in a professional competition, it’s not right.”

Iran remain sixth in the standings among third-placed teams and must now wait for the remaining group matches to determine whether they will qualify for the knockout stage.