Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup has been overshadowed by a series of administrative and political hurdles, culminating in head coach Amir Ghalenoei labeling his side the "most oppressed" at the tournament. The latest flashpoint came immediately after their dramatic 2-2 draw with New Zealand in Group G, when the team was reportedly ordered to leave Los Angeles and return to their training base in Tijuana, Mexico, rather than staying overnight for recovery.
The squad had originally planned to base themselves in Tucson, Arizona, for the duration of the World Cup. However, a combination of visa complications and logistical problems forced a last-minute relocation to Mexico. The situation has been compounded by the denial of visas for several key backroom staff members and the revocation of Iran's allocated ticket allocation on the eve of the tournament.
Ghalenoei: 'We Are the Most Oppressed Team'
Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, Ghalenoei expressed his frustration.
"We were supposed to arrive two nights before the game but they didn't permit it. We were supposed to stay here tonight to recover and return tomorrow lunchtime. After the game, they said to us, 'You have to leave immediately'. They are making the situation more and more difficult, more hurdles, but we're not going to let that stop us from doing our best,"he said.
The coach highlighted the impact on preparations:
"We don't know why they're returning us, to be honest. I think it's very strange. It seems like others are doing the planning for us. Our federation isn't here, our media isn't here, our management isn't here. I think our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup."
The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) had previously called on FIFA to uphold principles of neutrality and fairness after the ticket fiasco. Despite these challenges, Iran produced a spirited performance on the pitch, twice coming from behind against New Zealand, cheered on by a large Iranian-American contingent at SoFi Stadium.
Taremi Urges FIFA to Step Up
Iran captain Mehdi Taremi echoed his manager's sentiments, describing the situation as a "disaster".
"It's not good for us. It's not good for the football, because in a World Cup, you have to prepare good for the next game. It is a lot of stress for the players and staff and everyone. But we don't have that support, and I think FIFA have to help us more than this,"Taremi told reporters.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the Iran dressing room after the match, a gesture appreciated by the players. Taremi acknowledged the meeting but insisted the governing body must take concrete action to ensure fair treatment. The ongoing political tensions between Iran and the US have cast a long shadow over the team's campaign, with security concerns adding another layer of complexity.
Looking Ahead
Despite the off-field turmoil, Iran remain focused on their next Group G fixture against Belgium on 21 June, which will again be played in Los Angeles. A final group match against Egypt follows in Seattle on 27 June. The logistical challenges are unlikely to abate, but Ghalenoei vowed his team would not be distracted.
"They are forcing us to go back early, but we will keep fighting,"he said.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on FIFA to see how it navigates the delicate situation, with Iran demanding equal treatment to other competing nations.
Source: BBC Sport
Key Takeaways
- Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei calls his team the "most oppressed" at the World Cup after being forced to leave Los Angeles immediately following their draw with New Zealand.
- The squad has been based in Tijuana, Mexico, due to visa and security issues, and has faced backroom staff visa denials and ticket allocation cancellation.
- Captain Mehdi Taremi labels the situation a "disaster" and urges FIFA to provide more support.
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the team dressing room but concrete solutions remain elusive.
- Iran's next match is against Belgium on 21 June, with the off-field uncertainty continuing.
Quick Facts
Match Result: Iran 2-2 New Zealand
Coach: Amir Ghalenoei
Captain: Mehdi Taremi
Next Fixture: Iran vs Belgium, 21 June, Los Angeles
World Cup Base: Tijuana, Mexico
