Iran's World Cup campaign is facing fresh disruption off the pitch after head coach Amir Ghalenoei revealed the team was unexpectedly ordered to leave the United States immediately following their 2-2 draw against New Zealand.
The decision, which forced the squad to abandon its planned overnight stay in California and return straight to its training base in Tijuana, has left Iranian officials frustrated as they prepare for crucial group-stage matches against Belgium and Egypt.
Recovery Plans Thrown Into Chaos
Iran had expected to remain in Los Angeles overnight after Monday's thrilling Group G opener at SoFi Stadium before travelling back to Mexico the following day.
Instead, players and staff were informed after the final whistle that they had to leave immediately.
"They didn't
even give us time to recover," Ghalenoei said after the match.
"We were supposed to stay tonight, recover properly and return tomorrow. We have no idea why the decision changed. "
The coach stopped short of identifying who made the decision, but his comments reflected growing frustration within the Iranian camp over what has already been a challenging tournament build-up.
A World Cup Unlike Any Other
Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup has been overshadowed by geopolitical tensions since the outbreak of conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel earlier this year.
Team Melli had requested that their group-stage matches be moved away from American venues, a proposal FIFA ultimately rejected.
As a result, Iran established its World Cup base in Tijuana, Mexico, and adopted a unique travel arrangement that sees the squad fly into the United States shortly before matches before immediately returning across the border.
Captain Mehdi Taremi revealed that even the short trip from Tijuana to Los Angeles involved extensive travel procedures and security checks.
"Everything is like a disaster for us," Taremi said.
"We have to leave Los Angeles right now, and it's not good for us. FIFA have to help us more than this. "
Visa Problems Add To Frustration
The logistical challenges extend beyond travel.
Several members of Iran's wider delegation, including football federation officials, support staff and media personnel, were reportedly unable to obtain visas to enter the United States.
According to Ghalenoei, the absence of key staff has complicated preparations throughout the tournament.
The coach also linked the demanding travel schedule to several physical issues that emerged during the New Zealand match.
"We had players suffering from cramps and physical problems," he said.
"It wasn't tactical. We had to make substitutions because of injuries and fatigue. "
A Draw That Felt Like Two Points Lost
The off-field controversy overshadowed what was one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament so far.
New Zealand twice took the lead through Elijah Just, but Iran responded on both occasions.
Veteran full-back Ramin Rezaeian was at the heart of everything, scoring a superb first-half equaliser before providing the pinpoint cross that Mohammad Mohebi headed home to make it 2-2.
The result leaves Group G perfectly balanced after the opening round, with Iran, Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand all sitting on one point.
Yet there was a sense inside the Iranian camp that the draw represented a missed opportunity.
Ranked 20th in the world, Iran entered the match as heavy favourites against a New Zealand side ranked 85th and still searching for its first World Cup victory.
With Belgium and Egypt still to come, the dropped points could prove costly in the race for qualification.
A Home Crowd Far From Home
Despite the challenges, Iran found significant support inside SoFi Stadium.
Los Angeles is home to the largest Iranian diaspora community in the world, creating a unique atmosphere around the fixture.
Political divisions were visible before kick-off, with protests outside the stadium and sections of the crowd turning away during the national anthem.
But once the match began, support for the players became overwhelming.
"It felt like playing at home," Taremi said.
Thousands remained inside the stadium long after the final whistle as the players completed a lap of appreciation, applauding fans who had created one of the loudest atmospheres of the tournament.
Bigger Tests Await
Iran now face arguably the toughest stretch of their World Cup campaign.
Belgium are next up in Los Angeles before a final group-stage clash against Egypt in Seattle.
Qualification remains entirely possible, but the margin for error has narrowed after the draw with New Zealand.
And if Ghalenoei's comments are any indication, Iran believe they are already fighting more than just their opponents.
"We're facing more hurdles," the coach said.
"But we're not going to let that stop us from doing our best. "
For a team seeking its first-ever appearance in the World Cup knockout rounds, the football challenge was already difficult.
Now, Iran must overcome a growing list of obstacles away from the pitch as well.
/images/ppid_59c68470-image-178159002791179552.webp)
