Inglewood, California — The head coach of Iran’s national football team revealed that the squad was instructed to leave the United States and return to their training facility in Mexico just hours after their politically charged World Cup opener, which ended in a 2-2 draw against New Zealand on Monday evening.
Coach Amir Ghalenoei did not disclose who issued the order for the team’s premature departure. The players had anticipated spending the night in California to facilitate their recovery after the match, but were informed immediately afterward that they needed to board a flight for the 140-mile journey back to Tijuana.
“We weren’t given any time to recuperate,” Ghalenoei stated through an interpreter. “After the match, we were told, ‘You must leave immediately.’ Recovery time is crucial for us, yet we are being directed to fly back to our camp in Tijuana, which is quite concerning for us.”
The Iranian squad’s journey through the World Cup has been tumultuous since the onset of hostilities involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran on February 28. Despite these challenges, Iran decided to participate, even after FIFA denied their request to relocate their three group-stage matches out of the U.S.
Team captain Mehdi Taremi mentioned that the players faced five hours of travel and security screenings during what is usually a brief journey from Tijuana to the Los Angeles area on Sunday.
“To be honest, we are unclear about the reason for our return,” Ghalenoei remarked. “It feels as though external parties are making decisions for us. We were expected to arrive two nights before the match and stay overnight for recovery, only to find ourselves departing unexpectedly. We have no explanation.”
Ghalenoei further expressed that his team might be among the most oppressed at the World Cup.
Both Taremi and Ghalenoei lamented the absence of key staff members, including the president of Iran’s football federation and various coaching and media personnel, who were unable to obtain visas to enter the U.S. This limitation has complicated the team’s preparations.
“We need to leave Los Angeles immediately, which is detrimental to us,” Taremi commented shortly after the match. “I believe FIFA should provide us with greater assistance. Everything feels chaotic for us at the moment.”
Ghalenoei noted that several players experienced cramps during the match, which was played in mild weather. He attributed these issues to inadequate preparation time caused by the diplomatic and logistical challenges faced by the team.
“I mentioned before the game that we haven’t had sufficient time to adjust due to travel,” Ghalenoei explained. “Many of our players suffered cramps, necessitating substitutions. This was not a tactical decision but a response to injuries and cramping. They will be assessed by our medical staff, but the early departure and lack of recovery time have further complicated our situation.”
Iran’s upcoming group-stage matches include a clash against Belgium in Inglewood on Sunday, followed by a game against Egypt in Seattle the following week.
In their World Cup opener, Iran managed a disappointing draw against a team ranked significantly lower in FIFA standings. Nevertheless, they displayed resilience by equalizing twice in a thrilling game, with a goal from Mohammad Mohebi in the 64th minute, celebrated by a fervent pro-Iranian crowd at SoFi Stadium, home to the largest Iranian population outside of Iran.
The match was marked by an electrifying atmosphere, fueled by a diaspora fanbase that remains critical of the Iranian government yet largely supportive of Team Melli. Outside the stadium, several hundred Iranian Americans protested against the government, while many fans inside turned away during the national anthem. Despite FIFA’s efforts to limit their appearance, numerous supporters showcased Lion and Sun symbols, which were part of Iran’s flag prior to 1979, and some wore T-shirts featuring these emblems.
Once the match commenced, the majority of the crowd enthusiastically backed the Iranian players.
“The atmosphere throughout the game was incredible,” Taremi remarked. “It felt like home to us.”
New Zealand’s Elijah Just scored early in both halves, but Iran responded with two impressive goals, including Mohebi’s header from a perfectly executed pass by Ramin Rezaeian, who had scored with a deft touch in the first half.
After scoring, Mohebi appeared to mimic shooting a gun, prompting criticism online, and he also performed a gesture popularized by Los Angeles Lakers rookie D’Angelo Russell before displaying a heart to the cheering supporters.
Mohebi expressed gratitude for the vibrant atmosphere created by Iranian fans in Los Angeles, stating, “That celebration was just a spontaneous expression for all the fans.”
Following the final whistle, players from both teams shared embraces and exchanged jerseys. While Ghalenoei remained in the dugout, his players ventured around the field, acknowledging the supportive crowd with applause.
The next two matches for Iran present significant challenges, jeopardizing their hopes of advancing beyond the group stage for the first time. Currently, Iran, Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand each have one point following the first round of matches.
“We are facing numerous obstacles, but we will not allow that to deter our efforts,” Ghalenoei affirmed. “I believe today’s match was one of the best in the World Cup thus far, and I think both the fans inside and outside the stadium truly enjoyed it.”
