Iran say the United States treated them “unfairly” at the 2026 World Cup, with coach Amir Ghalenoei calling on Fifa to intervene in the future. Iran have competed against the backdrop of their country’s conflict with the United States and Israel, and their training base was switched from Arizona to Tijuana in Mexico before the tournament began. They also faced travel restrictions throughout, with the squad only allowed to enter the United States the day before each of their first two matches in Los Angeles. It is a logistics row that England’s camp will be watching closely as a three-host World Cup tests every nation.
What Iran are accusing the USA of
Iran are accusing the United States of imposing unfair logistical conditions during the 2026 World Cup. The team’s training base was moved from Arizona to Tijuana in Mexico before the tournament even started, set against the backdrop of tensions between Tehran, Washington and Israel. Coach Amir Ghalenoei says those conditions damaged his side’s preparation.
In practical terms, for their first two matches in Los Angeles, Iran’s squad was only allowed to enter the United States the day before each game. With no stadium walkthrough and no time to acclimatise, Iran arrived at a genuine competitive disadvantage against opponents already settled in the city.
Why this matters for England
This matters for England because the 2026 World Cup is the first staged across three host nations — the United States, Canada and Mexico — with long-haul travel weighing on every squad. Logistics, time zones and border crossings have become performance factors as important as tactics.
For Thomas Tuchel’s England, the Iran case is a warning: managing base camps, backroom-staff visas and recovery time between distant host cities could decide results in a tournament expanded to 48 teams. Iran’s call for Fifa to regulate these situations could ultimately benefit every nation, England included.
FAQ
Why does Iran feel unfairly treated by the USA?
Coach Amir Ghalenoei points to the training base being moved from Arizona to Tijuana and to travel restrictions, with his squad only allowed into the United States the day before their first two matches in Los Angeles.
What has Iran asked Fifa to do?
Amir Ghalenoei has called on Fifa to intervene in the future to stop teams facing logistical conditions and travel restrictions he considers unfair during the World Cup.
How does this affect England?
The 2026 World Cup is played across the USA, Canada and Mexico, so base camps, visas and long-haul travel affect every squad, including Tuchel’s England.
Has Iran qualified for the knockout stage?
Late drama from Egypt denied Iran guaranteed knockout qualification, leaving their place in the tournament uncertain.
What group are England in at the 2026 World Cup?
England are in Group L, facing Croatia among their opponents, with a travel schedule shaped by the three-host format of the 2026 World Cup.
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