World Cup: Iran ‘Forced’ to Leave the US Immediately After New Zealand Draw

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His passion for sports extends further than football, as he has covered several sports for GMS, including Boxing, Tennis, and Wrestling. Sign in to your GiveMeSport account Iran played their first 2026 World Cup match on American soil as they shared the points in a 2-2 draw against New Zealand on Tuesday.

The ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States of America has dominated the build-up to the competition. There was a strong chance the Middle Eastern nation would be forced to withdraw from the tournament over safety concerns.

FIFA have been told to take action after the goal celebration sparked outrage

However, they have turned up and will play all three of their group matches in the US. Preparations have been disrupted as Iran have been forced to train in Mexico and commute to the States for matches. Many members of their camp have also been denied visas to enter the country.

Following the full-time whistle, Iran players and head coach Amir Ghalenoei were critical about the way they've been treated, claiming travel disruptions are causing issues.

Speaking to the press after the match, Ghalenoei revealed that he and his players had been informed they must leave the country immediately, with no time allowed for recovery. Through a translator, he said:

"They have said we have to leave immediately.

"We are really troubled by that. We don’t know why they are returning us, to be honest. It seems very strange. It seems others are doing the planning for us."

"Our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup," the 62-year-old went on to claim. His star striker, Mehdi Taremi, added to his manager's comments, saying: "Everything is like a disaster, actually, for us."

An Iranian official told The Athletic that it was FIFA who 'requested that our team return to Tijuana immediately after the match'. At 10:07 pm, just over two hours after the final whistle, the Iranian bus left SoFi Stadium as they began their journey back to Mexico.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the team's dressing room after the game to deliver a message to the players. "I know what you go through, I understand," he said. "But you are stronger than everything, and you send a strong message to the entire world."

Footage of the Swiss boss' speech has appeared online. After having his say, Infantino then listened as Ghalenoei explained his team's struggles. Watch the interaction below.

Infantino is also reported to have said he'd try his best to get more of Iran's delegation to the US for the upcoming games against Egypt and Belgium after many were denied visas.

Taremi confirmed the president's intentions to try and help, saying: "For sure, he wants to try to help us, but it’s about other things too. You know, everyone knows. (I don’t) need to mention that, because you know where we are."