Iran team forced to leave US immediately after World Cup draw amid political tensions

Iran's national football team faced an unprecedented situation at the World Cup, being compelled to depart the United States immediately after their 2-2 draw with New Zealand. Coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed deep frustration, stating the team had "so much time in the air traveling back and forth that they didn't even let us recover." He declared, "After today's match, we were told: 'You have to leave immediately.'" Ghalenoei suggested Iran might be "the most oppressed team in the entire World Cup."

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We have spent so much time in the air traveling back and forth that they didn't even let us recover. After today's match, we were told: 'You have to leave immediately.'

The team's participation in a World Cup hosted by an enemy nation, the U.S., has been fraught with diplomatic tension. FIFA had relocated their base camp from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, despite all their group stage matches being scheduled in the U.S. The initial protocol involved crossing the border two days before each game and returning the next day. However, Ghalenoei stated this schedule was altered post-match, forcing an immediate departure back to Mexico, which he felt was "really disturbing."

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I think our team is perhaps the most oppressed team in the entire World Cup.

Further grievances were voiced by captain Mehdi Taremi regarding restrictions on the Iranian football federation president, Mehdi Taj, and several staff members from entering the U.S. "Everything is a disaster for us," Taremi stated bluntly. While Taremi acknowledged FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the team, he implied that more substantial assistance was needed, alluding to the broader geopolitical context. The team's travel expenses were also a point of contention, with reports suggesting a U.S.-based Israeli businessman was set to cover costs, a move that drew objections from Israel's ombudsman, leading to the withdrawal of the request.

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Everything is a disaster for us.