Speaking to FIFA TV after Iran’s arrival in Tijuana, Mexico, Ghalenoei first thanked Mexican authorities, local people, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, secretary general Mattias Grafström and other world football officials. “Perhaps without their efforts, we would not be here now,” he said. But he also voiced a complaint: “These behaviors are not right toward a team that has been in the air for 21 hours and is supposed to play in eight days.”
Ghalenoei said that based on technical considerations, Iran should have arrived a week earlier due to a 12‑hour time difference requiring two weeks of adjustment. “In these tournaments, ethical and human issues must be respected besides technical matters. That has not been done regarding us. However, the great nation and country of Iran have grown accustomed to such treatment over recent decades.”
The coach noted that Iran’s players and coaching staff were left in limbo until two days before their first match. He added that while the delegation’s players and coaches eventually arrived, the team’s management, executive officer and media representatives were not allowed to travel. “I ask you, what kind of behavior is this? I hope this conduct is corrected and never repeated.”
Ghalenoei dedicated Iran’s World Cup campaign to the “Minab 168” martyrs – victims of a U.S. military attack on a school in Minab. “This caravan carries two important messages to the world: first, the message of innocence, humanity, pride and strength of the great nation and country of Iran. Second, technical matters – we hope to be good representatives of our country in that regard as well.”
Asked about Iran’s chances of advancing from the group stage in the first 48‑team World Cup, Ghalenoei said the expanded format actually makes progression harder. “In a 32‑team World Cup, you had three chances – with three games you could reach the round of 16. But in the 48‑team format, after the group stage you have only one chance to reach the last 16. It is more difficult.” He cited Iran’s previous World Cup campaign, where they lost 6‑2 to England, beat Wales, and would have advanced with a draw in their third match. “I am very proud that we had the fastest qualification. If only two teams from Asia were to go to the World Cup, they would be Iran and Japan. Some friends without studying the technical details say that with 48 teams it becomes easier, but in the next stage you have only one shot – it is harder.”
