Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei after Group G match Egypt v Iran throughout Fifa World Cup 2026 in Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Washington, US, on June 26, 2026. — Reuters
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei criticised journey restrictions imposed on the group by the US after their 1-1 draw with Egypt on the World Cup in Seattle on Friday.
Regardless of having to commute from Mexico to the US for his or her three group-stage fixtures, Iran got here into the match with an outdoor likelihood of topping the group.
The US eased journey restrictions on the squad barely for Friday’s match, permitting them to reach within the Seattle space two days early.
“The host country treated us very unfairly,” Ghalenoei informed reporters after the match. “Had the host nation allowed us to arrive two weeks earlier, to be more prepared … we would have been in better shape, physically, mentally. However, they deprived us of that justice.”
The restrictions come amid excessive tensions between Washington and Tehran following a virtually four-month battle.
In March, US President Donald Trump stated whereas Iran have been welcome to take part within the event, he believed it was not applicable that they continue to be there between matches “for their own life and safety.”
Iran appeared to have secured an automated spot within the knockout stage when Shoja Khalilzadeh slammed a unfastened ball into the web in stoppage time.
Iran followers within the stadium erupted in celebration however the aim was disallowed for offside after a VAR assessment.
“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,” he stated.
“I urge Fifa: don’t let hosts treat players and teams the same way in future World Cups.”
After the match, Iran needed to fly again to Tijuana, which delayed restoration, stated Ghalenoei.
In Mexico, which is co-hosting the event with the US and Canada, the squad will wait to see in the event that they advance to the knockout stage for the primary time.
“The team came with a sacred objective, which was to train and play well,” he stated. “If God willing, we advance, I’ll give them a day to have proper recovery, go to the beach maybe to mentally relax a bit.”
