Iran Ordered to Leave USA Immediately After Players Slam ‘Disastrous’ Treatment Following 2-2 Draw with New Zealand

Iran’s national football team faced a tumultuous start to their World Cup campaign, drawing 2-2 with New Zealand in their opening match. However, the aftermath of the game has been overshadowed by the team’s abrupt order to leave the United States. This directive came just hours after the match, prompting outrage from players and coaching staff regarding their treatment during the tournament.

Immediate Departure Ordered

Following the draw at the Los Angeles Stadium, Iranian head coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed frustration over the lack of recovery time for his players. He stated that the team was instructed to depart the U.S. “immediately,” forcing them to return to their training base in Tijuana, Mexico, amid ongoing political tensions. Ghalenoei emphasized the importance of recovery time, stating that the abrupt departure was troubling for the team.

Political Context and Visa Issues

The backdrop to this situation includes serious doubts about Iran’s eligibility to participate in the tournament due to geopolitical tensions with the United States. Although a peace agreement was reached recently, concerns lingered about the safety of the players. The U.S. president had previously warned that it might not be safe for the Iranian team to compete. Additionally, eleven members of the Iranian delegation were denied visas to enter the U.S., complicating their participation in the World Cup.

As part of the conditions for their participation, the Iranian team was given only a few hours after their match to leave the country. This situation has raised significant concerns about the fairness of their treatment during the tournament.

Players Voice Their Concerns

Ghalenoei articulated the team’s distress, stating that they were not afforded adequate time to recover after the match. He remarked that the situation was becoming increasingly difficult, adding that the team felt oppressed in their World Cup experience.

Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi echoed these sentiments, criticizing the lack of support from FIFA and the Iranian football federation. He noted that the team was expected to recover and prepare for their next match but was instead forced to return to Mexico without proper communication or resources. Taremi described the situation as a “disaster,” highlighting the absence of key staff members and media support.

Unfair Treatment Allegations

Mohammad Mohebi, another player on the team, labeled the treatment of the Iranian squad as unfair. He pointed out that the team arrived late for their training sessions, which negatively impacted their performance. Mohebi stressed the need for fair competition, stating that the team’s late arrival hindered their preparation for the tournament.

The players’ frustrations reflect a broader concern about the logistical challenges they face, which they believe undermine their chances of success in the World Cup.

As reported by www.mirror.co.uk.

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Published on 2026-06-16 10:38:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk