Iran previously complained about feeling like the “most oppressed” team at the tournament.
Unlike their previous two Group G matches, they arrived in Seattle two days before the match.
Ghalenoei said the team have been “deprived” of their rights by being told when they can arrive and depart a host city.
He suggested Infantino was blind-sided by the restrictions imposed on the team by the US administration.
“Mr Infantino and FIFA did do their utmost to listen to the problems but we weren’t encouraged,” stated Ghalenoei.
In a statement, Infantino distanced FIFA from the Pride celebrations.
“First of all, I must clarify that there will be no ‘Pride Match’ at the World Cup,” stated Infantino.
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A FIFA spokesperson added: “General statements of human rights, including rainbow flags and other flags representing sexual orientation and gender identity, are permitted under the FIFA World Cup 2026 stadium code of conduct and may be displayed inside stadiums provided they are used in a manner consistent with the code.”
