Iran coach says team ordered to leave U.S. shortly after World Cup draw
Iran's World Cup coach claimed the squad was instructed to return to its Mexican training base hours after a 2-2 opening match with New Zealand, citing lack of recovery time and visa issues for staff.
Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei said the team was told to depart the United States and fly back to its training camp in Tijuana only a few hours after the group-stage draw with New Zealand. The decision, which he did not attribute to any specific authority, forced the players to leave Los Angeles immediately, disrupting their planned recovery schedule.
"They didn’t even give us time to recover. After the game today, they said to us, ‘You have to leave immediately,’" Ghalenoei said through an interpreter.
The Iranian side, which had expected to spend the night in California, was ordered onto a plane for the 140-mile trip back to Mexico. Captain Mehdi Taremi added that the team endured five hours of travel and security checks, a longer process than the usual short transfer from Tijuana to Los Angeles.
"We have to leave Los Angeles right now, and it’s not good for us," Taremi said.
Ghalenoei noted that several players suffered cramps during the match, attributing the injuries to the limited preparation time caused by travel delays and the abrupt return order. He also highlighted that many federation officials, coaching staff and media personnel were denied U.S. visas, further complicating the team's preparations.
Iran’s remaining group matches are against Belgium in Inglewood on Sunday and Egypt in Seattle the following week. All four teams in the group hold one point after the opening round.
"We’re facing more hurdles, but we’re not going to let that stop us from doing our best," Ghalenoei said.
The match itself featured a lively atmosphere at SoFi Stadium, with Iranian diaspora fans creating a supportive environment despite political tensions. Iran equalised twice, including a header by Mohammad Mohebi, and secured the draw after coming from behind twice.
"It was an incredible atmosphere in the game, all 90 minutes, it was like at home for us," Taremi said.
The team’s early exit from the United States has raised concerns about logistical and diplomatic challenges affecting its World Cup campaign.
