Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleIran's football team claimed they were forced to leave the United States immediately after their World Cup opener against New Zealand, despite needing recovery time. Coach Amir Ghalenoei labelled his team the “most oppressed” at the tournament, citing constant travel and a lack of support staff and media presence due to visa issues. The team's preparations were hampered by restrictions, including moving their training camp to Mexico and only being permitted entry into the US on matchdays by the Trump administration. Captain Mehdi Taremi described their treatment as a “disaster” and revealed that FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the dressing room, offering assistance and promising to help secure visas for more Iranian delegation members. The immediate requirement to return to Tijuana after their match in Los Angeles caused significant stress and logistical challenges for the players and staff, impacting their preparation for subsequent games. In fullIran claim they were forced to leave US minutes after World Cup openerThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Striker Mehdi Taremi says US travel policies are dampening the usual joy that the football tournament ignites.

Iran is beginning its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles after being forced to train in Tijuana, with players allowed into the US only for matches and many…

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Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleMonday sees Spain open their World Cup…

Iran’s team is scheduled to play all its group games in the U.S., but it has set up its home base for the World Cup in Tijuana, Mexico.

The coach of Iran’s World Cup team says it was ordered to leave the U.S. and return to its training base in Mexico only a few hours after opening its politically charged…

Coach Amir Ghalenoei said Iran is the "most oppressed team in the World Cup" after his players were suddenly informed they must travel back to Mexico immediately after their…

Iran's World Cup team coach says it was ordered to leave the U.S. and return to its training base in Mexico only a few hours after opening its politically charged tournament with…

Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their World Cup opener but were seemingly forced to fly back to their Tijuana base after the game.

Ghalenoei claims team told to ‘leave immediately’ after their draw against New Zealand

Iran's football coach revealed that the team were told to ‘leave the US immediately’ after the game against New Zealand. | Football News

DANIEL MATTHEWS IN LOS ANGELES: In an extraordinary attack after the game in LA, striker Mehdi Taremi pleaded with FIFA to 'help' resolve their 'unfair' World Cup ordeal.

INGLEWOOD, California, June 15 : Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said on Monday his team were being “oppressed” due to last-minute travel changes stemming from tensions between Iran and…

Iran's coach claims travel chaos due to U.S. tensions 'oppressed' his team, affecting their performance in the World Cup.

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Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their opening game of the World Cup but have been ordered to leave the United States immediately

Iran's FIFA World Cup 2026 journey started with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand. However, the team faced immediate travel disruptions. Coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed disappointment…

Iran have voiced strong criticism of their treatment in the United States, with head coach Amir Ghalenoei describing his squad as the “most oppressed”...

Several Iranian officials forced to watch game against New Zealand on TV in Mexico after being denied entry to US

After his side’s entertaining 2-2 with New Zealand, the Iran manager called his team ‘the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup’