Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has launched a stinging criticism of World Cup organisers after his team was reportedly ordered to leave Los Angeles immediately following their dramatic 2-2 draw against New Zealand, describing Iran as the “most oppressed” team at the tournament.
Recall that tensions surrounding Iran’s World Cup campaign deepened on Monday night after players and officials were instructed to board a flight back to their training base in Tijuana, Mexico, instead of remaining in California as originally planned.
The directive came moments after Iran battled to a hard-fought draw in their Group G opener, leaving the team frustrated and questioning the treatment they have received since arriving for the tournament.
“We Were Told To Leave Immediately” — Ghalenoei
Speaking after the match, an unhappy Ghalenoei revealed that Iran had intended to stay overnight in Los Angeles, conduct recovery training the following morning, and return to Mexico later in the day.
Instead, the team was reportedly ordered to leave almost immediately after the final whistle.
“After the game, they said to us, ‘You have to leave immediately,'” Ghalenoei told reporters.
“We’ve been asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana, and we are really troubled by that.
“They are forcing us to go back early. They are making the situation more and more difficult, more hurdles, but we’re not going to let that stop us from doing our best.”
World Cup Journey Plagued By Problems
For Iran, the controversy is only the latest chapter in what has already been a difficult road to the World Cup.
The team had originally planned to establish its tournament base in Tucson, Arizona. However, visa complications and logistical challenges reportedly forced a last-minute relocation to Tijuana, Mexico, just weeks before the competition began.
According to Ghalenoei, the latest travel directive has only added to the uncertainty surrounding the squad.
“We don’t know why they’re returning us, to be honest. I think it’s very strange,” he said.
“It seems like others are doing the planning for us.
“We were supposed to arrive two nights before the game but they didn’t permit it. We were supposed to stay here tonight to recover and return at lunchtime tomorrow.”
The Most Oppressed Team
The Iranian coach went even further, claiming no other team at the tournament has faced similar challenges.
“I think our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup,” he declared.
“Our federation isn’t here, our media isn’t here, our management isn’t here.”
His comments reflect growing frustration within the Iranian camp, which has also battled visa issues affecting key backroom staff members.
Adding to the tension, the Iranian Football Federation recently protested the withdrawal of its ticket allocation shortly before the start of the tournament, a move that angered supporters hoping to travel and cheer the team.
Taremi Calls Situation A “Disaster”
Iran captain Mehdi Taremi echoed his coach’s concerns, warning that the constant travel and uncertainty could affect the team’s performance on the pitch.
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The striker described the situation as a “disaster” for players and staff preparing for one of football’s biggest competitions.
“It’s not good for us,” Taremi said.
“It’s not good for football because, in a World Cup, you have to prepare well for the next game. There is already a lot of stress for the players, the staff, and everyone involved.
“But we don’t have that support, and I think FIFA has to help us more than this.”
FIFA President Visits Dressing Room
Amid the growing controversy, FIFA president Gianni Infantino reportedly visited the Iranian dressing room after the match as concerns over the team’s treatment continue to attract international attention.
The visit came as questions mounted over whether Iran is being subjected to unusual restrictions compared to other participating nations.
Bigger Tests Ahead
Despite the off-field distractions, Iran must quickly refocus on the challenges ahead.
The team is scheduled to return to Los Angeles for a crucial Group G showdown against Belgium on June 21 before wrapping up its group-stage campaign against Egypt in Seattle on June 27.
For now, however, Iran’s World Cup story is becoming just as much about politics, logistics, and controversy as it is about football. And with emotions running high inside the camp, the dispute shows no sign of fading anytime soon.