Challenges Abound for Iran’s World Cup Team Amid Political Tensions
June 16, 2026 / Inglewood, Calif. — The coach of Iran’s World Cup team revealed that they were instructed to leave the U.S. and return to their training base in Mexico shortly after a 2-2 draw against New Zealand. Iran’s coach, Amir Ghalenoei, did not specify who ordered this abrupt departure. The team had planned to spend the night in California to aid in their recovery following the match but was told to board a plane for Tijuana immediately.
“They didn’t even give us time to recover,” Ghalenoei expressed through an interpreter. “After the game today, they said to us, ‘You have to leave immediately.’ We are expected to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana, which is troubling for us.”
Iran’s preparation for the World Cup has been fraught with challenges since a war began between the U.S. and Israel on February 28. Despite these difficulties, Iran chose to participate after FIFA denied their request to relocate their group-stage matches outside the U.S.
“We don’t know why they are returning us, to be honest,” Ghalenoei said. “It’s as if others do the planning for us.”
The match against New Zealand saw Shahriyar Moghanlou and Finn Surman competing fiercely. Iran captain Mehdi Taremi described a grueling five-hour journey with extensive security checks from Tijuana to Los Angeles. The team’s arrival delays and hasty departure compounded their challenges.
Taremi and Ghalenoei lamented the absence of key staff members, including the president of Iran’s football federation and coaching support personnel, who were denied U.S. visas. “We have to leave Los Angeles right now, and it’s not good for us,” Taremi remarked, urging FIFA to offer more assistance.
During the match, several Iranian players suffered from cramps, which Ghalenoei attributed to insufficient preparation time due to travel issues. He emphasized that substitutions were necessary due to player injuries, not strategic reasons.
Iran’s remaining group stage matches include games against Belgium in Inglewood and Egypt in Seattle. The team began their World Cup campaign with a draw against New Zealand, despite being ranked significantly higher.
The match took place in a charged atmosphere at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles, home to a substantial Iranian population. While some Iranian Americans protested outside, the majority of the crowd inside vocally supported Team Melli. “It was like at home for us,” Taremi stated.
Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand, but Iran responded with goals from Mohammad Mohebi and Ramin Rezaeian. Mohebi’s celebratory gestures attracted criticism online but were well-received by fans. “The Iranians who live in Los Angeles, they make a great atmosphere,” Mohebi commented.
Despite the obstacles, Ghalenoei remains determined: “We’re facing more hurdles, but we’re not going to let that stop us from doing our best.” Iran, Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand each have one point after the initial matches, with tougher challenges ahead for Iran.