Iran coach says team ordered out of US right after World Cup opener
Iran’s World Cup team was ordered to depart the U.S. and return to Mexico immediately after its 2-2 draw with New Zealand, according to multiple reports. The coach called the decision ‘oppressive’ and criticized FIFA’s handling. Iranian players expected to recover in California overnight but were forced onto a flight back to Tijuana. FIFA’s Gianni Infantino has reportedly promised to assist the team.
What changed
New details confirm the team’s abrupt departure was ordered within hours of the match, with sources specifying the 140-mile return trip to Tijuana.
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Iran coach says team forced to leave U.S. after World Cup opener
confidence 97%Iran’s World Cup team was ordered to depart the U.S. and return to Mexico immediately after its 2-2 draw with New Zealand, according to multiple reports. The coach called the decision ‘oppressive’ and criticized FIFA’s handling. Iranian players expected to recover in California overnight but were forced onto a flight back to Tijuana. FIFA’s Gianni Infantino has reportedly promised to assist the team.
What's confirmed:
- Iran’s World Cup team was instructed to leave the U.S. and return to Mexico immediately after its opener against New Zealand.
- The team was expected to stay overnight in California for recovery but was forced onto a flight back to Tijuana, a 140-mile trip.
- Coach Amir Ghalenoei described the situation as ‘oppressive’ and criticized the World Cup organization’s handling of the team’s travel.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reportedly promised to help the Iranian team address the issues.
- The match against New Zealand was politically charged, with tensions at the stadium gates over a banned flag.
Still unconfirmed:
- The coach did not specify who ordered the team’s immediate departure.
- Iran’s captain called the World Cup hurdles a ‘disaster’ for the team, though no further details were provided.