World Cup travel restrictions to be eased, says coach Ghalenoei

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has accused travel restrictions imposed on his team during the World Cup of affecting both preparation and performance, despite being told conditions will improve for their final group-stage match.

Speaking ahead of Iran‍‍`s crucial Group G encounter against Belgium, Ghalenoei expressed frustration over the logistical challenges his squad has faced since arriving for the tournament.

With Iran and co-host nation the United States remaining at odds politically, the team has been based in Mexico and has had to travel repeatedly across the border for matches in the US. According to the coach, those arrangements have disrupted training schedules and placed additional physical and mental strain on the players.

Ghalenoei said officials had informed him that Iran would be granted greater flexibility for next week‍‍`s match against Egypt in Seattle, including more control over travel planning and arrival times.

While welcoming the change, the veteran coach questioned why similar arrangements were not made available for the team‍‍`s earlier fixtures.

He suggested the frequent travel had contributed to mistakes on the pitch, pointing to Iran‍‍`s 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening match. The coach said fatigue and disrupted preparation played a role in the team‍‍`s defensive errors and overall performance.

Ghalenoei also revealed that preparations for the Belgium match had been affected by uncertainty surrounding travel approval. He said the squad had expected to travel earlier but received confirmation at the last moment, leaving limited time for training and recovery.

The Iranian coach argued that the situation had created unnecessary distractions at a time when his focus should have been entirely on football matters.

Iran enter the Belgium match knowing that qualification remains wide open. All four teams in Group G currently have one point, making the race for the knockout stage one of the tightest in the tournament.

With a decisive match against Egypt still to come, Ghalenoei hopes improved travel arrangements will allow his side to concentrate fully on securing a place in the next round.