FIFA World Cup: Iran says team asked to leave US immediately after drawing 2-2 with New Zealand: We are the most oppressed team

Iran have accused FIFA of unfair treatment after being ordered by US authorities to leave Los Angeles immediately following their 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their FIFA World Cup opener, with head coach Amir Ghalenoei describing his side as “the most oppressed team” at the tournament.

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi, midfielder Mohammad Mohebi and Ghalenoei voiced their frustration over what they said were repeated logistical challenges that have disrupted the team’s preparations. According to the coach, the squad was instructed to return to its training base in Tijuana, Mexico, shortly after Monday night’s match instead of remaining in Los Angeles for recovery.

“After the game today they said to us, ‘You have to leave immediately,'” Ghalenoei said. “Whereas today it’s very important for us to have recovery.”

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

“I think our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup,” Ghalenoei said. “Our federation isn’t here, our media isn’t here, our management isn’t here.”

Iran’s preparations have been complicated by visa and travel issues. The team was forced to abandon plans for a training base in Tucson, Arizona, and instead set up camp in Tijuana due to concerns over US immigration procedures. Those concerns proved justified when several members of Iran’s support staff 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 were affecting the team’s ability to prepare properly for matches. He revealed that a journey from Tijuana to Los Angeles, which would normally take a few hours, lasted around five hours due to delays that were understood to be linked to immigration procedures.

‘FIFA MUST HELP US MORE’

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi said FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the team in the dressing room after Monday’s match.

“For sure, he wants to try to help us, but it’s about other things too. Everyone knows it,” Taremi said. “I don’t need to mention that, because you know where we are. I think FIFA has to help us more than this. Let’s see what happens in the future.”

Taremi and Ghalenoei also expressed frustration that the president of Iran’s football federation, Mehdi Taj, along with several members of the team’s support staff, had been unable to travel to the United States.

“Everything is a disaster for us,” Taremi said, adding that Infantino was informed of the team’s concerns during his visit to the dressing room after the match.

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

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

Forward Mohammad Mohebi echoed those concerns, warning that the travel schedule could increase player fatigue and the risk of injuries.

Despite their criticism of FIFA and tournament logistics, Iranian officials praised the reception they have received in neighbouring Mexico. Ghalenoei thanked the Mexican government and people of Tijuana for making the team feel welcome during its stay across the border.

Iran twice came from behind to secure 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 growing frustration over off-field challenges.

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