Iran wanted to fly from their base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, to America two days before their next match against Belgium in Los Angeles on Sunday but the request was turned down.

The Iranian team went through over five hours of travel and security checks during its trip to the Los Angeles area.

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei says his team was forced to leave the United States immediately after its World Cup draw with New Zealand, complicating preparations for upcoming matches.