Iran's soccer team flew back to Mexico immediately after their World Cup match in Los Angeles, sparking complaints from the coach.
The US government says the immediate departure was always the plan, though Coach Amir Ghalenoei says his team expected to stay overnight.
The dispute is the latest tension as Iran competes at a World Cup co-hosted by a nation with which it is currently at war.
AI-generated summary was reviewed by a CNN editor.
The Iranian men’s soccer team’s quick departure from Los Angeles following its opening World Cup match was always the plan, according to the US government, despite complaints from the team.
