Iran’s World Cup squad was abruptly ordered to depart the United States for Mexico immediately following its tournament opener, scrapping planned post-match recovery in Los Angeles.
Coach Amir Ghalenoei confirmed the team was instructed to return to its Tijuana training base just hours after a 2-2 draw against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The directive disrupted standard athletic protocol.
“They didn’t even give us time to recover,” Ghalenoei said. “After the game today, they said to us, ‘You have to leave immediately.’”
Ghalenoei did not disclose who issued the order. The team had planned to stay overnight in California to maximize recovery before traveling the 140 miles to Tijuana.
Captain Mehdi Taremi added that the squad endured five hours of border security and travel the previous day. “Everything is like a disaster, actually, for us,” he said, urging FIFA to provide greater assistance.
The incident unfolds amid a politically charged atmosphere. During the match, protesters outside SoFi Stadium demonstrated against the Iranian government, while some fans inside displayed banned pre-1979 Lion and Sun emblems.
Iran’s group stage continues Sunday against Belgium in Inglewood, followed by a match versus Egypt in Seattle.