Sport: Soccer Country: Spain Category: Rumors

Iran arrives in US for World Cup amid protests and criticism

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 7:06 AM

Last updated Jun 15, 2026

Iran arrives in US for World Cup amid protests and criticism

Summary

Iran's national soccer team has arrived in the United States as they prepare for the World Cup. Player Mehdi Taremi stated that ongoing tensions are affecting the joy of participating in the tournament. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin faced criticism for remarks suggesting the expanded World Cup features uninteresting matches, a comment that sparked backlash from multiple nations in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. The tournament features Spain and Belgium among other teams, with expectations on how matches will unfold in this expanded format.

Source Links

The Guardian Sport

Key Details

•Iran's team arrives in the US for the World Cup.
•Taremi comments on the impact of tensions on joy.
•UEFA President Čeferin criticized over match quality remarks.
•Spain and Belgium also participating in the tournament.

Latest Updates

7:06 AMThe Guardian Sport — World Cup 2026: Iran arrive in US amid protests as Spain and Belgium enter tournament – live

What they're saying

"
⚽️ Iran’s Taremi says tension ‘undermines joy’ ⚽️ Player guide | Bracketology | Wallchart | Mail Sarah UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin was criticised by multiple nations from Asia, Africa and the Caribbean after reportedly saying the expanded World Cup creates “uninteresting” matches. According to Zurnal 24, the boss said at a conference last Monday: “We have a huge number of matches that are completely uninteresting.” Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Sarah Rendell

Related Teams & Leagues

Soccer