Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has accused World Cup co-host the United States of treating his team "very unfairly", saying logistical restrictions have disrupted the team's tournament.
"It was the host that wasn't very good to us," Ghalenoei said. "I urge FIFA to not let the hosts treat teams and players the same way in the future."
Speaking after Iran's 1-1 draw against Egypt in Seattle on Friday, Ghalenoei urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ensure future hosts do not subject teams to similar treatment.
The team has been based in Tijuana, Mexico, and required to travel back after each match, rather than remain in the United States. Ghalenoei said the repeated journeys had hindered the squad's preparation and recovery.
Captain Mehdi Taremi echoed those concerns, calling it a "disaster World Cup" because of the conditions surrounding the team's participation. He also said some members of Iran's support staff were denied US visas and highlighted the absence of Iranian media at matches.
"Their behavior towards us has been really terrible," Ghalenoei said. "Despite all of these problems, we've been able to perform well. I think that's our greatest achievement despite all the obstacles they put in our way."
Iran returned to Tijuana after Friday's match, leaving behind a handwritten note thanking Seattle for its hospitality and Iranian supporters for their backing.
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At least 11 people have been killed and 19 injured in a fire at an orphanage on the outskirts of the Algerian capital, state media reported. The blaze broke out early on Thursday at the institution in the eastern suburbs of Algiers.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the reimposition of a U.S. naval blockade on all Iranian ports and warned that power plants and bridges could be targeted next week unless Tehran returns to negotiations.
The United States carried out a third consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran, targeting military capabilities around the Strait of Hormuz as Donald Trump announced the reinstatement of a blockade on Iranian shipping and proposed a 20% fee on cargo passing through the strategic waterway.
The death toll from the fire at a live music pub in Bangkok has climbed to 32 after two more victims died from their injuries, according to Thailand's Police Hospital.
Ukraine and Russia exchanged fresh attacks on Tuesday, with Kyiv targeting shipping and energy infrastructure inside Russia while Moscow launched another large-scale missile and drone assault on Ukrainian cities.
The U.S. military announced that it has completed a new wave of strikes against Iranian military targets under U.S. President Donald Trump's orders. The operation targeted command centres, air defence systems, missile and drone facilities, and coastal surveillance sites across multiple locations.
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Defending champions Argentina came from behind with two late goals to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday, booking their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final where they will face Spain.
Spain booked their place in the World Cup final with a composed 2-0 victory over France on Tuesday, ending the hopes of the tournament favourites and moving within one match of a second World Cup title.
Argentina and England will meet in a blockbuster World Cup semi-final after both sides came through gripping quarter-final ties that were settled in extra time.
South Africa international midfielder Jayden Adams, who helped Bafana Bafana reach the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time, has died at the age of 25.
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