Iran opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with an entertaining 2-2 draw against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, but the team’s attention quickly shifted away from football after the final whistle.Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed frustration after the match, revealing that the squad had been instructed to leave the United States immediately and return to their training base in Tijuana, Mexico.According to Ghalenoei, the team had expected to remain overnight in California to aid recovery before travelling back the following day. Instead, they were informed after the match that they would have to depart straight away.“They didn’t even give us time to recover, after the game they told us that we had to leave immediately. Recovery is extremely important after a match, but we were asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana. We are really troubled by that,” Ghalenoei said through an interpreter.The Iranian coach admitted he was unsure why the travel plans had changed.“To be honest, we don’t know why we are being sent back. It feels very strange. It seems that decisions are being made for us elsewhere. We were supposed to arrive two days before the game and stay overnight afterwards before returning the next day. We have no idea why that changed,” he added.Ghalenoei also suggested that his team had faced significant challenges throughout their World Cup preparations.“I think our team is perhaps the most oppressed in the World Cup,” Ghalenoei concluded.
Captain Mehdi Taremi echoed concern
Iran captain Mehdi Taremi echoed those concerns, highlighting that several members of the delegation, including officials from the Iranian Football Federation, support staff and media personnel, were unable to travel after being denied visas.“We have to leave Los Angeles right now, and it is not good for us,” Taremi said. “I think FIFA have to help us more than this. … Everything is like a disaster, actually, for us,” he concluded.
Iran draws WC opener against New Zealand
New Zealand twice took the lead through Elijah Just, who struck in the seventh and 54th minutes, both goals set up by captain Chris Wood. Iran responded on each occasion, with Ramin Rezaeian levelling the scores in the first half before Mohammad Mohebbi headed home a second equaliser 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 issues are set to continue. Their next Group G match is also scheduled to be played at SoFi Stadium against Belgium on Sunday, meaning the team will travel back to the United States again later this week before returning to Los Angeles on matchday.
