‘Most oppressed team’: Iran coach slams 'immediate' US exit order after FIFA 2026 World Cup match against New Zealand

The Iranian coach expressed frustration over what he described as an unexpected disruption to the squad’s recovery plans, claiming the team was ordered to return immediately to its training base in Tijuana, Mexico, instead of spending the night in California as originally scheduled.

Iran asked to leave US 'immediately'

Speaking through an interpreter after Monday night's match, Ghalenoei said the team had anticipated remaining in California to complete its normal post-match recovery programme before travelling back to Mexico the following day.

“They didn't even give us time to recover,” Ghalenoei said. “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 coach did not identify who had issued the instruction requiring the squad to depart immediately after the match.

Coach questions decision-making process

Ghalenoei said the team had received no clear explanation for the sudden change in plans and questioned why decisions regarding the squad’s logistics appeared to be made externally.

“We don't know why they are returning us, to be honest,” he said. “I think it's very strange. It seems like others are doing the planning for us. The decision-making for us is being made elsewhere.”

He added that the original itinerary had allowed the team to arrive two days before the match and remain overnight afterwards.

“We were supposed to come two nights before the game, and we were supposed to stay tonight to recover and return tomorrow at lunchtime. We have no idea why.”

The coach went on to describe Iran as facing particularly difficult circumstances during the tournament.

“I think our team is perhaps the most oppressed in the World Cup,” Ghalenoei said.

Visa issues add to team’s challenges

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi also voiced concerns about the team's preparations, highlighting the absence of several key officials and support staff.

According to Taremi and Ghalenoei, a number of important personnel, including the president of Iran's football federation, coaching staff members and media officials, were unable to join the delegation after reportedly being denied visas by US authorities.

“We have to leave Los Angeles right now, and it's not good for us,” Taremi said after the match.

“I think FIFA have to help us more than this. ... Everything is like a disaster, actually, for us.”

Political tensions continue to affect campaign

Iran’s World Cup preparations have unfolded against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions following the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran earlier this year.

The Iranian football federation had reportedly requested that its three group-stage matches be moved outside the United States.

However, FIFA rejected that request, and Iran proceeded with its scheduled fixtures.

The latest travel controversy has added another layer of complexity to the team's tournament preparations.

Draw against New Zealand

On the pitch, Iran began its World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand.

The Iranian side twice came from behind during the match, with Mohammad Mohebbi scoring the equaliser in the 64th minute.

The game took place before a crowd that largely backed Iran, although several Iranian-American spectators were also present and staged protests against the Iranian government.

Iran will next face Belgium at SoFi Stadium on Sunday as it seeks its first victory of the tournament.