Iran Coach Says Team Ordered Out of US After World Cup 2-2 Draw With New Zealand/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Iran’s coach criticized organizers after the team was ordered to leave the U.S. immediately following its World Cup opener. Team Melli drew 2-2 with New Zealand amid visa issues and travel restrictions linked to the Iran war. Despite logistical challenges, Iran earned a point in a politically charged match in Los Angeles.
Iran’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign began under unusual circumstances as coach Amir Ghalenoei revealed that his team was ordered to leave the United States immediately after its opening match against New Zealand.
The match ended in an entertaining 2-2 draw at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, but instead of following normal postgame recovery procedures, Iran’s squad was instructed to board a flight back to its training base in Tijuana, Mexico.
According to Ghalenoei, the team had expected to remain overnight in California before returning the following day.
The coach did not identify who ordered the early departure.
Iran’s participation in the World Cup has been complicated by the geopolitical tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Since the war began on Feb. 28, Team Melli has faced logistical hurdles that have disrupted preparations for the tournament.
Iran had previously asked FIFA to move its group-stage matches outside the United States, but the request was denied.
Captain Mehdi Taremi described the challenges the squad faced even before kickoff.
Several members of Iran’s football delegation, including federation officials and support staff, reportedly failed to obtain visas to enter the United States.
Ghalenoei argued that these obstacles have directly affected player health and preparation.
Despite the off-field difficulties, Iran showed resilience on the pitch.
New Zealand struck early in both halves through Elijah Just, forcing Iran to rally twice.
Ramin Rezaeian scored Iran’s first equalizer with a skillful finish before Mohammad Mohebi headed home the second equalizer in the 64th minute after a precise cross from Rezaeian.
The draw ensured that Iran avoided an upset against a New Zealand side ranked significantly lower in FIFA’s world rankings.
The result leaves Group G wide open, with Iran, Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand each collecting one point from their opening matches.
The match unfolded in front of one of the largest Iranian diaspora communities in the world.
Outside SoFi Stadium, hundreds of Iranian Americans protested against the government in Tehran. Inside the venue, fans displayed pre-1979 Lion and Sun emblems despite efforts to limit political symbols.
Many supporters turned their backs during the national anthem but loudly backed the players once the match began.
Taremi praised the support from the crowd.
Mohebi also acknowledged the passionate backing from local fans.
Iran now faces a difficult road ahead in its pursuit of a historic first appearance in the World Cup knockout stage.
Team Melli will next return to SoFi Stadium to face Belgium before traveling to Seattle to play Egypt.
Ghalenoei remains optimistic despite the adversity.
Whether Iran can overcome both sporting and political challenges may ultimately determine its fate in Group G.
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