Iran's FIFA World Cup 2026 journey began with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, but it was marred by an unexpected directive to leave the US immediately. The team's football coach, Amir Ghalenoei, revealed that they were ordered to return to their training base in Mexico, despite expecting to spend the night in California for recovery.
According to the Associated Press, Iran was told to leave immediately for the 140-mile trip back to Tijuana, leaving the team troubled and without time for recovery. Coach Ghalenoei stated, "They didn't even give us time to recover. After the game today, they said to us, 'You have to leave immediately.' It's very important for us to have time for recovery, but we are asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana, and we are really troubled by that."
The World Cup campaign for Iran has been highly politically charged since the USA and Israel began a war with the country on February 28. Iran threatened to withdraw from the tournament but later decided to compete after FIFA rejected the Sports Federation's request to move its matches out of the US.
Coach Ghalenoei also revealed that several players developed cramps during the game against New Zealand, and the team should have been allowed recovery time. Iran captain Mehdi Taremi further doubled down, saying his team were made to endure five hours of travel and security checks on what was normally a very short trip from Tijuana to the Los Angeles area on Sunday.
The team will next take on Belgium in the World Cup on June 21 in Los Angeles, followed by a final league game against Egypt in Seattle on June 28.
