The Iranian soccer team claimed it was asked to depart the U.S. immediately and return to its base in Mexico shortly after its first World Cup game at Los Angeles Stadium, highlighting the impact of the U.S.-Iran war on the global competition despite ongoing truce talks.
Iran's Mohammad Mohebbi celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, California.
Iran’s first game of the World Cup ended in a 2-2 draw against the much lower-ranked New Zealand.
The Iranian team—whose preparations have been disrupted by political tensions with the U.S.—arrived in the U.S. on Sunday from its World Cup home base in Mexico.
After the game, the team’s coach, Amir Ghalenoei, told reporters they had intended to remain in California overnight as part of their recovery process but were ordered to return to Mexico immediately.
