Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei vented frustration after a last‑minute VAR decision erased Shoja Khalilzadeh’s apparent winner in Seattle. The 1‑1 draw with Egypt left Iran on the brink of knockout qualification, needing a victory to finish second behind Belgium in Group G to progress as runners‑up and secure a round‑of‑16 spot.

Ghalenoei accused the tournament of treating Iran as an “oppressed” side, citing visa hurdles and forced travel via Tijuana after the United States barred direct entry. The team endured a cramped schedule, flying back to Mexico after each match, which he said hampered recovery and compounded the sense of bad luck.

Khalilzadeh’s celebration turned chaotic when officials ruled his 93rd‑minute shot offside by a few millimetres, prompting the striker to rip his shirt and later appear in novelty sunglasses. The decision handed Egypt a historic advance to the round of 32, their first ever progression beyond the group stage.

With a goal‑difference of zero, Iran now sits sixth among third‑placed teams, awaiting the final ranking to learn if they claim one of the four remaining spots. The coach urged FIFA president Gianni Infantino to confront the host nation’s restrictions, insisting the team’s performance should not be eclipsed by logistics.