The Iranian men’s soccer team’s quick departure from Los Angeles following their opening World Cup match was always the plan, according to the US government, despite complaints from the team.

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

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.

Coach says abrupt exit from California hurt player recovery

Iran were told to leave the US ‘immediately’ after fighting back to draw with New Zealand