Iranian captain detained at US airport and delays delegation flight

After a draw in their debut at the 2026 World Cup, the Iran team had problems leaving the USA. According to information from the ISNA agency, the team captain, Mehdi Taremi, and an assistant were detained at Los Angeles airport, the city where the match took place.

According to the Iranian federation, Taremi and Saeed Al-Hawie faced "unjustified delays" in processing their passports and visas at airport immigration.

Due to the duo's situation, the delegation's flight was delayed to return to Tijuana, Mexico, where the Iranians are concentrated.

Iran is in Group G of the 2026 World Cup and debuted in a 2-2 draw with the New Zealanders at SoFi Stadium, in Los Angeles. In the second round, the team faces Belgium next Sunday (21) in the same city. The Iranians close the group stage on the 27th against Egypt in Seattle.

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Source: CNN