In Seattle, Iran captain Mehdi Taremi sharply criticized the World Cup organization, calling the logistical conditions a 'disaster' and questioning whether his team was welcome in the United States.
The comments followed Iran's 1-1 draw with Egypt. Taremi missed a penalty and had a goal disallowed for offside. The match was played amid geopolitical tension, with U.S. strikes on Iran occurring hours before kickoff and some fans booing Iran's anthem.
Taremi highlighted travel issues, stating Iran was forced to repeatedly commute from Tijuana, Mexico. He called the situation unfair and demanded FIFA resolve it.
"How (is it) possible we always have to travel to Tijuana?" Taremi told reporters. "As professional players, in a professional competition, it's not right."
He suggested his team's presence was unwelcome, asking, "If they want us to be out - OK, let's get out. But that's not fair." Iran's progress to the knockout stage depends on other results.