Iran coach confronts Infantino in locker room over 'most oppressed team' treatment at World Cup
After a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, the Iran coach told FIFA president Gianni Infantino his team is the most oppressed in World Cup history, citing forced travel to Mexico and restrictions on their delegation.
Iran's opening match at the 2026 World Cup in Los Angeles ended in a 2-2 draw with New Zealand, but the result was overshadowed by political tension, fan clashes, and a direct confrontation between the Iranian coach and the FIFA president.
A stadium divided
Inside the SoFi Stadium, the Iranian national anthem was met with loud boos and whistles from a section of the crowd, while others applauded. Supporters of the opposition displayed the banned Lion and Sun flag in defiance of FIFA rules. Physical altercations broke out between pro- and anti-regime fans, forcing some spectators to cover their ears.
We are tired of this situation. We have had many problems these last months. We just want peace... and joy.
Coach's fiery complaint
After the match, FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the Iran locker room to congratulate the players. Instead of diplomacy, he received a blunt rebuke from coach Amir Ghalenoei. Speaking for nearly three minutes through an interpreter, Ghalenoei listed grievances: the team’s training base was relocated from Tucson to Tijuana, Mexico, despite playing all group matches in Los Angeles and Seattle; the delegation was forced to fly back to Mexico immediately after the game, losing recovery time; and the Iranian federation’s president, team manager, and media staff were absent.
We are the most oppressed nation in World Cup history. The conditions created for us are a clear injustice. Even after the match we cannot rest because we have to board a plane right away.
Travel restrictions and player fatigue
Forward Mehdi Taremi and winger Mohammad Mohebi confirmed they were ordered to return to Tijuana shortly after the match ended around 8 p.m. local time. Instead of staying overnight in California, the squad had to travel back across the border. Ghalenoei told Infantino the team needed two weeks of adaptation for the 10.5-hour time difference but were not allowed to arrive early.
You are sending a very strong message to the whole world. Tonight you united the entire stadium.
Protests outside the venue
Before kickoff, between 200 and 500 demonstrators gathered outside the stadium to protest the Iranian government. The regime itself used the occasion to highlight a narrative about victims of a U.S. bombing, while the opposition used the match to voice dissent. Infantino’s praise for the team did not satisfy the players, who noted that his words were not backed by concrete action.
