The Iran national football team is facing numerous challenges in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Amir Qalenoei, the coach of the Iran national football team, said after the 2-2 draw against New Zealand: Our team may be the most oppressed team in the World Cup. Qalenoei, referring to the limitations due to the lack of permission to travel to the match venue and the immediate return to the training camp in Mexico, said: They didn't even give us a chance to recover. Mehdi Taremi, the captain of the Iran national football team, also described the situation of the national team in the World Cup as disastrous and added: Our goal is peace and happiness. The Iran national football team played its first match against New Zealand on Tuesday, falling behind twice before eventually drawing 2-2. Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, visited the Iranian team's locker room after the match and praised the players' efforts on the field.