Iran's Ghalenoei and Taremi criticize US treatment before World Cup

Iran's head coach Amir Ghalenoei and striker Mehdi Taremi expressed concerns over US travel policies impacting the team's experience ahead of their first World Cup game. During a press conference, they described how logistical hurdles hindered their participation and detracted from the tournament’s joy. Ghalenoei highlighted the US's refusal to host Iran's base camp, while Taremi lamented the lack of the usual excitement associated with the event, calling out issues like visa denials. Iran, who topped their qualification group, will face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in their group stage matches on the US West Coast. Following the press conference, Team Melli confirmed they will return to Mexico after each match.

• 12:42 AMYahoo Sports — Iran’s Ghalenoei, Taremi decry US treatment before first World Cup game