Iran's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign began with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand on June 15 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Coach Amir Ghalenoei sharply criticized the logistical nightmare his team faced, stating they were ordered to leave the United States immediately after the final whistle, preventing essential overnight rest.
While all 26 players received U.S. entry, several support staff and officials were denied visas. The squad’s original base camp in Arizona was abandoned, forcing a last-minute relocation to Tijuana, Mexico. The team flew into the U.S. just a day before the match, a disruption Captain Mehdi Taremi said compounded a lack of domestic training due to suspended football activities amid conflict in Iran.
Ghalenoei described his team as potentially the most oppressed in the tournament. U.S. officials cited security concerns for the visa denials, reflecting longstanding geopolitical tensions between the nations. The 2026 tournament is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.