Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has criticised the treatment of his team during the FIFA World Cup 2026. He claimed officials ordered Iran to leave the United States just hours after its opening match against New Zealand.

Iran opened its Group G campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw in Los Angeles. However, Ghalenoei said the team could not stay in California to recover. Instead, officials instructed the squad to return immediately to its training base in Tijuana, Mexico.

Ghalenoei Voices Frustration

Ghalenoei said the decision disrupted the team's recovery plans and created unnecessary difficulties.

“They didn’t even give us time to recover. After the game today, they said to us, ‘You have to leave immediately.’ It’s very important for us to have time for recovery, but we are asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana, and we are really troubled by that,” Ghalenoei said through an interpreter.

The Iranian coach did not identify who issued the order. However, he made it clear that the situation frustrated the players and coaching staff.

Political Tensions Affect Iran's World Cup Journey

Political tensions have shaped Iran's World Cup campaign from the start. Reports said authorities did not allow Iran to establish its main training base in the United States because of security and political concerns. As a result, the team has based itself in Mexico throughout the tournament.

Reports also claimed that officials denied visas to several Iranian representatives because of alleged links to members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Earlier, uncertainty surrounded Iran's participation in the tournament. FIFA reportedly rejected requests to move Iran's group-stage matches outside the United States. Despite those challenges, Iran continued its preparations in Mexico before travelling to Los Angeles for its opening game.

Mehdi Taremi Also Criticises Situation

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi echoed his coach's concerns after the match. He said the travel arrangements made recovery and preparation more difficult for the squad.

“I think FIFA have to help us more than this. Everything is like a disaster for us,” Taremi said. His comments reflected the growing frustration inside the Iranian camp.

Iran Feel Decisions Are Being Made for Them

Ghalenoei suggested that others were making decisions on behalf of his team. “We don’t know why they are returning us, to be honest. I think it’s very strange. It seems like others are doing the planning for us,” he said.

“The decision-making for us is being made elsewhere. We have no idea why. I think our team is perhaps the most oppressed team in the World Cup,” Ghalenoei added. The coach believes Iran has faced unusual challenges throughout the tournament.

Iran Fight Back Twice Against New Zealand

Despite the off-field issues, Iran showed great determination on the pitch. New Zealand took the lead in the seventh minute through Elijah Just. Iran responded in the 32nd minute when Ramin Rezaeian scored the equaliser. Just struck again early in the second half to restore New Zealand's advantage.

However, Iran fought back once more. Mohammad Mohebbi scored with a fine header in the 64th minute to make it 2-2. Both teams pushed for a winner during the closing stages, but neither side could find the decisive goal.

Belgium Match Up Next

Iran will now turn its attention to a crucial Group G clash against Belgium.

The team will return to Los Angeles for the match. A positive result could strengthen Iran's hopes of reaching the knockout stage for the first time in World Cup history.

After earning a point against New Zealand, Iran will look to build momentum despite the challenges surrounding its campaign.