Iran's World Cup team to stay in U.S. after initial plans to return to Mexico

Iran's national football team has secured permission to stay in the United States for their World Cup matches, a significant shift from their initial plan to return to their base in Tijuana, Mexico, after each game. This development, confirmed by the Iranian Football Federation, comes just before their opening match against New Zealand.

The team's change of plans appears to be influenced by a preliminary agreement between the U.S. and Iran, which could signal a de-escalation of tensions between the two nations. Originally, the squad, including striker Mehdi Taremi, was scheduled to travel to the U.S. on the day of the match and immediately return to Mexico. However, they arrived in Inglewood, California, a day prior to their Tuesday kickoff.

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It was not our fault. We left Tijuana at 10:00 AM and took off at 3:00 PM.

Taremi noted the travel arrangements, stating, "It was not our fault. We left Tijuana at 10:00 AM and took off at 3:00 PM." The team shared photos of their arrival, marking a departure from their earlier decision to relocate their World Cup base to Mexico due to political tensions and the ongoing conflict with the U.S.

Coach Amir Ghalenoei acknowledged the situation, expressing gratitude to the people of Mexico for their hospitality but emphasizing the team's resilience. "We Iranians are used to making opportunities out of difficulties, and we are thinking of nothing else but bringing joy to the people," he said. The team's itinerary includes matches in Inglewood against Belgium and in Seattle against Egypt, with plans to travel to each venue the day before the game. A potential Round of 16 clash against the U.S. in Arlington, Texas, looms if both teams finish as group runners-up.

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Of course, it affects us. I want to thank the good people in Mexico. But we Iranians are used to making opportunities out of difficulties, and we are thinking of nothing else but bringing joy to the people.