Iran's World Cup captain used his post‑match press conference to accuse FIFA of staging a 'disaster World Cup', claiming football's governing body had failed to protect his team from politically driven US visa restrictions that forced Iran to play and travel under conditions he said were 'not right' and 'not fair'.
Speaking to reporters at Seattle Stadium on 27 June 2026 after Iran's 1-1 draw against Egypt, Mehdi Taremi said problems off the pitch had overshadowed his side's campaign and left them feeling abandoned by organisers. The point left Iran third in Group G, and while they briefly waited on other results, their exit was confirmed the next day when Algeria's late equaliser against Austria sent Algeria through on goal difference.
