Iran coach blasts order to leave US after World Cup opener: 'Didn't even give us time to recover'

WASHINGTON, DC: Iran's men's national soccer team was forced to leave the United States immediately after its opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to head coach Amir Ghalenoei, who called the unexpected change of plans "very strange."

Iran opened its tournament campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand national football team at SoFi Stadium on Monday, June 15. The team had expected to remain overnight in California before returning to its training base in Tijuana the following day.

Instead, players and staff were reportedly instructed to leave the country shortly after the match and board a flight back to Mexico.

Coach questions abrupt decision

Speaking through an interpreter, Ghalenoei said the sudden departure disrupted the team's normal post-match recovery process.

"They didn't even give us time to recover," he said. "After the game today, they said to us, 'You have to leave immediately.'"

The coach added that the squad had originally planned to arrive two days before the match and stay overnight afterward before returning to camp the next day. 

“We don't know why they are returning us, to be honest," Ghalenoei said. "I think it's very strange. It seems like others are doing the planning for us. The decision-making for us is being made elsewhere."

He went on to describe Iran as "the most oppressed in the World Cup."

Players raise concerns

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi said the team also faced lengthy travel and security procedures before the match, despite the relatively short distance between Tijuana and the Los Angeles area. "I think FIFA have to help us more than this," Taremi said. "Everything is like a disaster, actually, for us."

Neither Ghalenoei nor team officials identified who ordered the immediate return to Mexico.

Tensions surround Iran's World Cup appearance

Iran's opener unfolded amid heightened political sensitivities. Hundreds of Iranian-American demonstrators gathered outside the stadium, while some members of the Iranian diaspora in attendance reportedly turned their backs during the national anthem.

Iran will continue its Group G campaign against Belgium national football team on Sunday in California before traveling to Seattle to face Egypt national football team later in the group stage.

The circumstances surrounding the team's abrupt departure remain unclear, with Iranian players and staff saying they have yet to receive an explanation for the change in plans.