‘Get on the plane and go’: Iran coach explodes after shock order after World Cup game against New Zealand

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei (Image: X) Iran opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with an entertaining 2-2 draw against New Zealand at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, but the team’s focus quickly shifted away from football after the final whistle.Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed his frustration after the game, revealing that the team had been instructed to leave the United States immediately and return to their training base in Tijuana, Mexico.According to Ghalenoei, the team expected to stay overnight in California to help recover before returning the following day. Instead, they were told after the match that they would have to leave straight away.“They didn’t even give us time to recover, after the game they told us we had to leave immediately. Recovery is extremely important after the game, but we were asked to get on a plane and go back to our camp in Tijuana. It really bothers us,” Ghalenoei said through an interpreter.The Iran coach admitted he was unsure why the travel plans had changed.“To be honest, we don’t know why we’re being sent back. It’s very strange. It seems they’re making decisions for us elsewhere. We were supposed to arrive two days before the game and stay overnight before returning the next day. We have no idea why it’s changed,” he added.Ghalenoei also hinted that his team faced significant challenges during the build-up to the World Cup.“I think our team is maybe the most downtrodden at the World Cup,” concluded Ghalenoei.

Captain Mehdi Taremi echoed the concern

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi echoed those concerns, stressing that several members of the delegation, including Iran Football Federation officials, support staff and media personnel, were unable to travel after being denied visas.“We have to leave Los Angeles right now, and that’s not good for us,” Taremi said. “I think FIFA has to help us more than this… Everything is actually like a disaster for us,” he concluded.

Iran draws World Cup opener against New Zealand

New Zealand took the lead twice through Elijah Just, who struck in the seventh and 54th minutes, both goals set up by captain Chris Wood. Iran responded each time, Ramin Rezaeian leveling the score in the first half before Mohammad Mohebbi hit a second equalizer after the break.Despite opportunities for both sides in the closing stages, neither team could find a winner as they settled for a point in their Group G opener.Iran’s logistical problems will continue. Their next Group G game is also scheduled for Sunday at the SoFi Stadium against Belgium, meaning the team will travel back to the United States again later this week before returning to Los Angeles on match day.