Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei has strongly criticized the travel and preparation restrictions imposed on his team ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match against Belgium, stating that the squad was only allowed to train for half the usual duration. Speaking to reporters in Los Angeles, Ghalenoei highlighted the inconsistency in how US authorities handled Iran's movement schedule throughout the tournament.
Limited Training Time and Travel Hurdles
Iran has been based in Tijuana, Mexico, throughout the World Cup due to entry restrictions preventing them from staying in the United States. The team has had to commute across the border for each of their group matches. Ghalenoei noted that the conditions have become increasingly difficult, with training time severely cut. "We only managed to train half the time we usually spend on training. We wanted to have optimal physical and technical preparation," he said, according to Reuters.
The coach expressed frustration that while US authorities allowed the team to decide their own travel plans for the third match, such flexibility was not granted for the earlier games. "For the third game, they've allowed us to decide to make our own decisions with regard to planning the travel," Ghalenoei said. "But what my problem is, why didn't they let us come earlier for the first two games as well?" he added.
FIFA's Efforts Acknowledged
Despite the challenges, Ghalenoei acknowledged that FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, have made significant efforts to reduce the difficulties faced by the Iranian team. "If they've managed to do this now, why didn't they do that for our first game and for this game? I know for sure that FIFA and Mr Infantino are doing the utmost to ease these challenges that we are facing," he said. "I think FIFA did its utmost to minimise the problems we have faced."
Comparison with Belgium and Confidence in Iran's Squad
Ghalenoei pointed out that Belgium, their upcoming opponent, had arrived earlier and completed proper training. "Look at the Belgium team. They arrived yesterday at noon. They've managed to have proper training," he said. He acknowledged Belgium as a strong and respected side but expressed confidence in his own team's potential. "We are also Iranians, and we have good players who have great potential," Ghalenoei concluded.
The coach also noted that entry into the United States and customs procedures went smoothly, thanking US authorities for their support in that regard. However, he emphasized that the restrictions on training time have negatively impacted the team's preparation.
