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FIFA live: "Oppressed" Iran set for new USA World Cup rules
SEN • June 22nd, 2026 8:27 am
- Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia FT
- Belgium 0-0 Iran 5am AEST
- Uruguay v Cape Verde 8am AEST
- New Zealand v Egypt 11am AEST
World Cup daily news. We will bring you the latest from around the world as the FIFA World Cup 2026™ finally gets under way (All times AEST).
US EASE IRAN STANCE
The USA looks set to ease restrictions on Iran for their final match of the World Cup group stage but coach Amir Ghalenoei has slammed the oppressive rulings made against his team.
Coming into the tournament tensions between the two nations were still high with the war ongoing since February.
Last month it was announced the Iranian team would not be allowed to spend the night on US soil and as such they were forced to relocate to Mexico causing significant additional travel issues and stress.
Iran plays their final group game in Seattle on Friday and will have more relaxed post match rules.
“They said in Seattle, you can do what you want, you can act the way you want to, and you can come earlier,” Ghalenoei said.
“But what I want, my problem is, why didn’t they let us come earlier for the first two games as well?
“That’s going to affect us mentally, especially me as a head coach, because I want to focus on technical stuff.
“And I think, because we have been flying too much, commuting, as a result of this long commute, we’ve been tired.
“I just know for the last game, yes, they’ve allowed us to decide, to make our own decisions with regards to planning the travel.
“But unfortunately, for the first two games, others made these travel arrangements for us, and the timing for us.”
Earlier in the tournament, Ghalenoei said his side were "the most oppressed".
“We’re supposed to stay here tonight to recover and return tomorrow lunchtime, but they haven’t permitted us,” Ghalenoei said. “To be honest, I have no idea why. I think perhaps our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup.”
FINALLY ARRIVED
Spain have finally arrived at the World Cup. A 0-0 draw against Cape Verde in their opener stunned the world but Lamine Yamal scored on what was his World Cup debut as his nation dismantled Saudi Arabia.
"That was the plan, to play for a half and get some rest, but above all to help the team," Yamal said afterwards. "The first game wasn't really us, but now we've arrived and we're going for more.
"It turned out the way we wanted - being 3-0 up allowed me to rest, so it was perfect. Drawing a match that you feel you should win stings. It made us think a lot, and it helped us approach this match exactly how we wanted to.
"I’ve always dreamed of being at a World Cup, and being able to score in my first match as a starter is a dream. I watched the last World Cup from a classroom, so being able to score here with my mum and my family in the stands is a dream."
