Iran Coach Says Team Ordered Out of US After World Cup 2-2 Draw With New Zealand/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Iran’s coach criticized organizers after the team was ordered to leave the U.S. immediately following its World Cup opener. Team Melli drew 2-2 with New Zealand amid visa issues and travel restrictions linked to the Iran war. Despite logistical challenges, Iran earned a point in a politically charged match in Los Angeles.

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Iran vs New Zealand World Cup Quick Looks

• Iran and New Zealand played to an entertaining 2-2 draw at SoFi Stadium.
• Coach Amir Ghalenoei said Iran was forced to leave California immediately after the match.
• The team returned to its training base in Tijuana, Mexico.
• Iranian officials and staff were reportedly denied U.S. visas.
• Iran captain Mehdi Taremi called the situation “a disaster.”
• Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand.
• Iran responded with goals from Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi.
• Thousands of Iranian fans created a passionate atmosphere in Los Angeles.
• Political tensions surrounding Iran shaped the team’s World Cup preparations.
• All four teams in Group G sit on one point after opening matches.

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Deep Look

Iran Faces Travel Disruption After World Cup Opener

Iran’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign began under unusual circumstances as coach Amir Ghalenoei revealed that his team was ordered to leave the United States immediately after its opening match against New Zealand.

The match ended in an entertaining 2-2 draw at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, but instead of following normal postgame recovery procedures, Iran’s squad was instructed to board a flight back to its training base in Tijuana, Mexico.

According to Ghalenoei, the team had expected to remain overnight in California before returning the following day.

“They didn’t even give us time to recover,” Ghalenoei said through an interpreter. “After the game today, they said to us, ‘You have to leave immediately.’ It’s very important for us to have time for recovery, (but) we are asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana, and we are really troubled by that.”

The coach did not identify who ordered the early departure.

War and Politics Continue to Affect Team Melli

Iran’s participation in the World Cup has been complicated by the geopolitical tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

Since the war began on Feb. 28, Team Melli has faced logistical hurdles that have disrupted preparations for the tournament.

Iran had previously asked FIFA to move its group-stage matches outside the United States, but the request was denied.

Captain Mehdi Taremi described the challenges the squad faced even before kickoff.

“We have to leave Los Angeles right now, and it’s not good for us,” Taremi said. “I think FIFA have to help us more than this. … Everything is like a disaster, actually, for us.”

Several members of Iran’s football delegation, including federation officials and support staff, reportedly failed to obtain visas to enter the United States.

Ghalenoei argued that these obstacles have directly affected player health and preparation.

“Before the game, I said we haven’t had time to adjust because of the travel,” he said. “Many of our players, they had cramps, and that’s why we had to substitute them.”

Iran Fights Back Twice Against New Zealand

Despite the off-field difficulties, Iran showed resilience on the pitch.

New Zealand struck early in both halves through Elijah Just, forcing Iran to rally twice.

Ramin Rezaeian scored Iran’s first equalizer with a skillful finish before Mohammad Mohebi headed home the second equalizer in the 64th minute after a precise cross from Rezaeian.

The draw ensured that Iran avoided an upset against a New Zealand side ranked significantly lower in FIFA’s world rankings.

The result leaves Group G wide open, with Iran, Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand each collecting one point from their opening matches.

Emotional Atmosphere in Los Angeles

The match unfolded in front of one of the largest Iranian diaspora communities in the world.

Outside SoFi Stadium, hundreds of Iranian Americans protested against the government in Tehran. Inside the venue, fans displayed pre-1979 Lion and Sun emblems despite efforts to limit political symbols.

Many supporters turned their backs during the national anthem but loudly backed the players once the match began.

Taremi praised the support from the crowd.

“It was an incredible atmosphere in the game, all 90 minutes,” he said. “It was like at home for us.”

Mohebi also acknowledged the passionate backing from local fans.

“The Iranians who live in Los Angeles, they make a great atmosphere,” Mohebi said. “That celebration, it comes in the mind, and I did like this for all the fans. Just a celebration.”

Tougher Tests Await Iran

Iran now faces a difficult road ahead in its pursuit of a historic first appearance in the World Cup knockout stage.

Team Melli will next return to SoFi Stadium to face Belgium before traveling to Seattle to play Egypt.

Ghalenoei remains optimistic despite the adversity.

“We’re facing more hurdles, but we’re not going to let that stop us from doing our best,” he said. “I think today was one of the best games in the World Cup so far, and I think the fans really enjoyed it inside the stadium and outside the stadium.”

Whether Iran can overcome both sporting and political challenges may ultimately determine its fate in Group G.

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