Iran says it was forced to leave the US after debut and asks FIFA for help

The Iranian team made its debut in the 2026 World Cup on Monday night (16) and drew 2-2 with New Zealand. At the end of the match, the Iranian team reportedly received orders to leave the United States immediately.

In addition to coach Amir Ghalenoei stating that Iran has been "oppressed" by tensions throughout the World Cup, captain Mehdi Taremi said that minutes after the match, the players were informed that they should return to Tijuana, Mexico, where they are stationed during the tournament.

"After the match against New Zealand, we had to leave Los Angeles immediately, and this is not good for football, because in the World Cup you have to prepare well for the next game. This situation puts a lot of pressure on the players and the coaching staff. We do not receive the necessary support and FIFA can and should help more," Taremi said according to the official website of the Iran Football Federation.

When asked who ordered the athletes to leave the country, Taremi said that the order was passed on by FIFA. "I don't know who told us we have to go back to Mexico tonight, but I think that's something between the Mexican Football Federation and FIFA."

Despite the pressure surrounding political issues, the Iranian captain stated that the team is happy to be participating in the World Cup.

"We feel good because we are at the World Cup and in the spotlight, and that is something every player wants to experience. We enjoy being at this tournament and want to make the most of it."

Mehdi Taremi, captain of Iran

When asked again about details of the requirement for the Iran national team to return to Mexico immediately after the game, Taremi concluded: "I'm a player and I'm focused on football. You should ask this question to the president of the federation or our press director, who are not here. You should ask this question to FIFA, not us."

With an eye on a place in the knockout stages, the Iranian team returns to the field next Sunday (21), at 4pm (Brasília time), again in Los Angeles, to face Belgium. Favorite to finish at the top of the group, the European team only drew with Egypt, 1-1, in their debut.

Iranian players receive US visas to play in the World Cup, says White House

Source: CNN