Iran Coach Says Team Ordered Out of US Right After 2-2 Draw with New Zealand in World Cup Opener
Coach Amir Ghalenoei said the squad was denied recovery time after the draw, and several staff members were barred from U.S. visas.
- On Tuesday, Iranian winger Mehdi Torabi's United States visa expired following the team's match against New Zealand on Monday, leaving his World Cup status uncertain as Iran departed for Mexico.
- Diplomatic tensions between the United States and Iran have forced the squad to base training operations in Mexico, with officials previously reporting that around 15 delegation members were denied visas.
- Captain Mehdi Taremi described the squad's treatment as a "disaster," while Coach Amir Ghalenoei criticized United States authorities for restrictive travel requirements that prevented adequate recovery between matches.
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the dressing room, telling players "you are stronger than everything," while The Iranian Football Federation pursues a new visa for Torabi for upcoming matches.
- Iran faces Belgium on Sunday in Los Angeles before playing Egypt on June 26 in Seattle, though Torabi's availability for these fixtures remains uncertain amid the diplomatic friction.
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139 Articles
The Iranian squad had to leave the United States immediately after the match against New Zealand. The national coach and the players have asked Infantino to help them more at this World Cup.
The disgraceful treatment of the Iranian football team
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The selection of Iran had its expected debut in the 2026 North American World Cup this Monday against New Zealand at the meeting valid by Group G. The Middle East team ended up matching 2-2 against the oceanics.Once the meeting was over, Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei reported on the difficulties they had to go through in order to be present at the Cup, noting at the outset that “We are the most battered team in the World Cup.” He then outlined th…
US says Iran was always supposed to fly back to Mexico immediately after World Cup match, despite coach’s complaints
The Iranian men’s soccer team’s quick departure from Los Angeles following their opening World Cup match was always the plan, according to the US government, despite complaints from the team.
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