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Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has launched a scathing attack on FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, over the treatment of his team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the tournament as “a disaster” and accusing football’s governing body of failing to resolve persistent visa and travel problems.

Taremi spoke out after Iran’s hard-fought draw against Egypt, with the striker revealing that several members of the team’s backroom staff have been unable to join the squad because of visa issues.

The forward also expressed frustration over the team’s repeated travel between its base in Tijuana, Mexico, and match venues in the United States, insisting the arrangements have placed Iran at a disadvantage.

According to Taremi, Infantino personally assured the team after its opening match against New Zealand that the problems would be addressed, but little has changed.

“It’s a disaster World Cup; a disaster,” Taremi said, as quoted by The Athletic. “I mean, FIFA, they have to solve every problem here but unfortunately they could not solve it since the beginning. Mr Infantino came to our changing room after the first game against New Zealand and said, ‘It’s just the beginning’.

“We don’t have our logistic people here – they don’t have a visa. How is it possible we always have to travel from Tijuana? We love the people in Tijuana. We love Mexico. They are humble people and we love them but as a professional player in a professional competition, it’s not right.

“It’s not fair. Our opinion is, it’s not fair. Is it fair for FIFA? OK, good to them. But it’s not fair. Who wants to help us? If they want us to be out, then OK, let’s get out. But that’s not fair. We don’t have recovery or logistic people to help us. We always complain about these things but no one helps, no one.”

Iran have been forced to cope with logistical challenges throughout the tournament, with visa complications reportedly preventing 11 senior team officials from entering the United States. The absence of key logistics and recovery personnel has compounded the difficulties faced by the players.

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei also voiced his frustration, calling on FIFA to intervene and ensure his side receives fair treatment from the tournament hosts.

The complaints come as Iran continue their World Cup campaign amid growing concerns over the impact of off-field issues on the team’s performances.

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Portugal head coach, Roberto Martinez, has remained coy about leaving Cristiano Ronaldo out for the last-32 clash against Croatia at the 2026 World Cup.

Ronaldo started all three matches during the group stages and scored only twice – both goals against Uzbekistan.

There have been calls for the 41-year-old to be dropped, over concerns about his effect on the general team play.

But Martinez refused to commit to benching his top goalscorer in the knockouts.

He said: “Cristiano is used to being in the right place at the right time. He is very disciplined in his position, and he also creates space for his teammates.

“His physical and mental condition is not in question. We may need to make changes in the next match, but we base every decision on the information and data we have.”

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Nine African nations are in the FIFA World Cup 2026, advancing to the Round of 32, underlining the continent’s growing influence on football’s biggest stage.

The expanded 48-team tournament has opened the door to more African participation, but the continent’s representatives have done far more than merely fill the numbers.

Through disciplined defending, fearless attacking football and memorable upsets, nine teams have earned their place in the knockout rounds, surpassing every previous African record at the World Cup.

South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Senegal, DR Congo, Cape Verde and Ivory Coast will all carry Africa’s hopes into the first-ever 32-team knockout phase, giving the continent an unprecedented presence as the race for the World Cup trophy intensifies.

The Round of 32 presents a series of daunting but enticing challenges.

South Africa will launch Africa’s knockout campaign against Canada, while Morocco face European heavyweights the Netherlands after an impressive unbeaten group-stage run. Senegal take on Belgium, Egypt meet Australia, and Ghana clash with Colombia,

Algeria face Switzerland, DR Congo battle England, Ivory Coast square off against Norway, and Cape Verde’s remarkable tournament continues with a blockbuster encounter against defending champions Argentina.

The expanded knockout bracket has ensured that Africa’s path to the latter stages will not be straightforward. Several of the continent’s teams are on a collision course with traditional football powers, yet recent performances suggest they are more than capable of producing further surprises.

Morocco continue to build on the momentum generated by their historic run to the semi-finals four years ago, while Senegal and Egypt have once again demonstrated why they remain among Africa’s most consistent performers on the global stage. South Africa’s qualification has energised home supporters, and Cape Verde’s debut appearance in the knockout rounds has become one of the tournament’s most inspiring stories.

For DR Congo, Ghana, Algeria and Ivory Coast, progression beyond the group stage reflects years of investment in player development and the increasing competitiveness of African football. Their qualification reinforces the belief that the gap between Africa and football’s traditional powerhouses continues to narrow.

Beyond the individual stories, the collective achievement sends a powerful message. Never before has Africa entered the knockout rounds with such numerical strength, providing the continent with multiple opportunities to break new ground in the latter stages of the tournament.

With every match now a winner-takes-all affair, Africa’s representatives have an opportunity to redefine the continent’s World Cup legacy. A place in the quarter-finals is no longer viewed as an extraordinary achievement but as a realistic target for several teams, while dreams of producing the first African world champion remain alive.