Iran coach says team ordered out of US right after World Cup opener

Iran’s World Cup team was abruptly instructed to leave the U.S. and return to its training base in Tijuana, Mexico, shortly after its 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday night. Coach Amir Ghalenoei confirmed the team received no explanation for the early departure, which cut short planned recovery time in California after the match. The decision forced players onto a 140-mile flight back to Tijuana, bypassing standard post-game rest protocols. Ghalenoei criticized the lack of transparency, stating, 'They didn’t even give us time to recover,' and accused external parties of controlling the team’s schedule. Players, including captain Mehdi Taremi, reported cramps and injuries during the game, which Ghalenoei attributed to inadequate preparation caused by bureaucratic delays. The team’s World Cup participation has been strained by geopolitical tensions since the U.S. and Israel began military actions against Iran in late February. Iran’s request to relocate its group-stage matches from the U.S. was denied by FIFA, leaving the team to navigate protests and visa restrictions. Taremi highlighted the absence of key staff, including the football federation president and media officials, due to denied U.S. visas. The Iranians face Belgium in Inglewood on Sunday and Egypt in Seattle next week, with their remaining matches in the U.S. The opening game against New Zealand saw a divided crowd at SoFi Stadium, where Iranian-American protesters clashed with diaspora fans supporting *Team Melli*. Despite the chaotic circumstances, Iran overcame two deficits to secure the draw, with Mohammad Mohebi scoring the equalizer in the 64th minute. Ghalenoei emphasized the team’s struggles, calling them 'the most oppressed in the World Cup,' while Taremi urged FIFA for greater support. The coach also noted that several players suffered cramps during the match, requiring substitutions due to physical strain rather than tactical decisions. The team’s technical staff will assess the players’ conditions on Tuesday, but the early return has compounded their logistical challenges.