Iran says the team asked to leave the US immediately after the 2-2 draw with New Zealand

Iran accused FIFA of unfair treatment after being ordered to leave Los Angeles immediately after their 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their World Cup opener, with head coach Amir Ghalenoei labeling his side the tournament’s “most downtrodden” team.

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi, midfielder Mohammad Mohebi and Ghalenoei expressed their frustration at what they said were repeated logistical problems that disrupted the team’s preparations. According to the coach, the team was instructed to return to its training base in Tijuana, Mexico shortly after Monday night’s game instead of recovering in Los Angeles.

“After today’s game they told us, ‘You have to leave immediately,'” Ghalenoei said. “While today it is very important for us to recover.

The coach questioned the decision, suggesting that Iran had faced obstacles during the build-up to the tournament. He said the team originally planned to arrive in Los Angeles two days before the game and stay overnight after the game before returning to Mexico the following day.

“I think our team is the most downtrodden in the whole World Cup,” Ghalenoei said. “Our federation is not here, our media is not here, our leadership is not here.

Iran’s preparations were complicated by visa and travel issues. The team was forced to abandon plans for a training base in Tucson, Arizonaand instead set up camp in Tijuana due to concerns about US immigration procedures. These concerns proved justified when several members of Iranian support personnel were reportedly denied visas to enter the United States.

As a result, Iran arrived in Los Angeles without key support personnel, including media officers, analysts and federation president Mehdi Taj.

Taremi said the constant travel and uncertainty affects the team’s ability to properly prepare for matches. He disclosed that the trip from Tijuana to Los Angeles, which would normally take several hours, took around five hours due to delays that were understood to be related to immigration procedures.

“Everything is like a disaster for us,” Taremi said, adding that FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the dressing room after the match and was informed of the team’s concerns.

The striker argued that teams competing at the World Cup should be given the best possible conditions to recover and prepare.

“At the World Cup, you have to prepare well for the next game,” he said. “But we don’t have that kind of support and I think FIFA needs to help us more than this.”

Mohebi echoed those concerns, warning that the travel schedule could increase fatigue and the risk of injury among players.

Despite criticism from FIFA and tournament logistics, Iranian officials praised the reception they received in neighboring Mexico. Ghalenoei thanked the Mexican government and the people of Tijuana for making the team feel welcome during their time abroad.

Iran twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against New Zealand and now face further travel ahead of their next Group G fixture as they continue their World Cup campaign amid mounting frustration at off-field challenges.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

June 16, 2026 11:37 AM IST