Iran opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand at the Sophie Stadium in Los Angeles, but the team’s focus quickly shifted away from football after the final whistle.Iranian coach Amir Ghalinoi expressed disappointment after the match, revealing that the squad had been instructed to leave the US immediately and return to their training base in Tijuana, Mexico.According to Ghalenoei, the team expects to stay overnight in California to help with recovery before returning the next day. Instead, they were informed after the match that they would have to leave immediately.“They didn’t even give us time to recover, after the game they told us we had to leave immediately. Recovery after the match is very important, but we were told to get on the plane and come back to our camp in Tijuana.” Galenoi said through an interpreter.The Iranian coach admitted that he was not sure why the travel plans had changed.“To be honest, we don’t know why we are being sent back,” he added. It seems very strange. Decisions for us seem to be made elsewhere. We had to arrive two days before the game and stay overnight before returning the next day. We don’t know why it changed,” he added.Galnoi also suggested that his team faced significant challenges during the World Cup preparations.“I think our team is probably the most underdog in the World Cup,” Ghalinui concluded.
Captain Mehdi Tarimi echoed the concern
Iranian captain Mehdi Tarini echoed these concerns, highlighting that several members of the delegation, including officials from the Iranian Football Federation, support staff and media personnel, were unable to travel after being denied visas.“We have to leave Los Angeles now, and it’s not good for us,” Tarimi said. “I think FIFA should help us more than that. … Everything is actually like a disaster for us,” he concluded.
Iran’s WC opening match against New Zealand was drawn.
New Zealand took the lead twice through Elijah Just, who scored in the seventh and 54th minutes, both scored by captain Chris Wood. Iran responded at every opportunity, with Ramin Rezaian equalizing the scores in the first half, before Mohamed Mohibi fired home a second after the break.Despite chances for both sides in the closing stages, neither team could find a winner as they settled for a point in their Group G opener.Iran’s logistical problems continue. Their next Group G match is also on Sunday against Belgium at the Sophie Stadium, meaning the team will travel to the United States again this weekend before returning to Los Angeles on matchday.
