Iran coach confronts FIFA president Gianni Infantino after World Cup draw
Amir Ghalenoei used Infantino’s postgame locker room visit to voice frustrations over visa issues, travel problems and what he called unequal treatment at the 2026 World Cup.
Gianni Infantino’s visit to Iran’s locker room was meant as a show of support, but it quickly turned into one of the most remarkable moments of the opening days of the 2026 World Cup.
Following Iran’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand, the FIFA president went into the team’s locker room to congratulate the players. Instead, he found a squad weighed down by frustration.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei used the opportunity to raise a series of concerns that, he said, have affected his team since before the tournament began. The veteran coach did not hold back.
“We are the most oppressed team at the entire World Cup,” Ghalenoei told FIFA’s top official, a remark that quickly spread across international media.
Iran voices frustrations directly to Infantino
Iran’s complaints center on immigration and logistical challenges that have complicated the team’s World Cup campaign.
Members of the coaching staff and support personnel encountered visa issues entering the United States before the tournament, while the team has also faced demanding travel between host cities throughout the competition.
Infantino listened as Ghalenoei outlined his concerns before responding with a message of encouragement.
“I know what you go through,” the FIFA president said.
“I understand, but you are stronger than everything.”
He concluded by telling the players: “And you send a strong message to the entire world.”
Visa and travel concerns remain
Although the squad received Infantino’s comments respectfully, they did little to ease the frustration inside Iran’s camp.
Captain Mehdi Taremi also addressed the difficulties the national team has experienced, calling for every nation at the tournament to be able to compete under the same conditions.
On the field, Iran salvaged a draw that keeps its hopes of advancing from the group stage alive. Off the field, however, the result was overshadowed by a tense conversation that highlighted the challenges facing the team.
The exchange between Ghalenoei and Infantino produced one of the tournament’s most unusual images so far: a national team coach confronting the FIFA president face to face in the middle of a World Cup, over issues that extend far beyond soccer.
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