The Most Oppressed Team at the World Cup

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei says Iran’s treatment by FIFA makes them “the most oppressed” team at the World Cup. Of course, we all know that this is primarily due to hostile US actions.

[Note that Iran blamed FIFA rather than pointing fingers directly at the US because, under FIFA’s tournament regulations, the governing body – not the host nation – are solely responsible for venue operations, scheduling, flag rules, and enforcing team logistics].

There had been severe logistical, travel, and administrative hurdles put in place by co-host the United States. Among them:

Visa Denials: Fifteen members of Iran’s coaching, support staff, and football federation executives were denied visas to enter the US, where all of Iran’s group stage games are taking place. That number was later reduced to eleven after some visas were approved.

Forced Base Relocation: Due to supposedly security precautions and visa complications, the team was forced to abandon their planned training base in Tucson, Arizona and relocate to Tijuana, Mexico.

Exhausting Travel Restrictions: Ahead of their opening match against New Zealand in Los Angeles, California, the Iranians were denied permission to stay overnight. Instead, they were forced to commute back and forth from their base in Tijuana, severely disrupting recovery and training schedules.

Revoked Ticket Allocations: The Iranian Football Federation reported that their designated 8% quota of tickets for group-stage matches against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand was withdrawn, leaving them unable to provide tickets to their fans through official channels. One can surmise that Iran residents who are subject to a travel ban by the US government since last year, are, therefore, unlikely to get entry visas for the World Cup, as well as their inability to make payments while financial sanctions are in force.  

WHO'S REALLY RUNNING THE WORLD CUP?!?! 😡😡😡

FYI, the 2026 tournament marks the seventh time the Iranian national team have competed on football's biggest stage. 

And Iran opened their campaign on June 16 with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand. And yesterday, they drew 0-0 against Belgium. 

Iran will finish out group play against Egypt on June 26.

I'm betting Iran will qualify for the Round of 32 knockout stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.