Iran coach says team was ordered to leave U.S. after opening World Cup match

Iran's World Cup coach Amir Ghalenoei said the team was told to leave the United States and fly back to its training camp in Tijuana, Mexico, only a few hours after the opening group-stage match that ended in a 2-2 draw with New Zealand.

Ghalenoei, speaking through an interpreter, said the team had expected to stay overnight in California for recovery but was instructed to board a plane immediately after the game. > "They didn't even give us time to recover," he said. > "We are really troubled by that."

The coach did not identify who gave the order. He added that the team had faced a five-hour journey and extensive security checks on the short trip from Tijuana to the Los Angeles area, and that several players suffered cramps during the match, which he linked to limited preparation time caused by travel delays and diplomatic obstacles.

Iran's football federation president and other support staff were denied U.S. visas, leaving the squad without key personnel. Captain Mehdi Taremi said the team needed more assistance from FIFA and described the situation as a "disaster."

The Iranians have two group matches remaining, against Belgium in Inglewood on Sunday and Egypt in Seattle next week. All four teams in the group currently have one point after the opening round.