Iran's World Cup Team Ordered to Leave U.S. Hours After Opening Match
The Iranian national team was directed to depart the United States immediately after its 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday. The squad had arrived from Mexico the previous day and was not permitted to stay overnight in California for recovery.
ForbesIran's national soccer team was ordered to leave the United States and return to its base in Mexico only hours after completing its opening match against New Zealand. The squad arrived in the United States on Sunday from its training camp in Mexico. It played to a 2-2 draw at Los Angeles Stadium on Monday.
The team's coach told reporters the squad had intended to remain in California overnight as part of its recovery process. Instead, the players were directed to depart immediately after the final whistle. He said the team was not given time to recover and described himself as really troubled by the order.
The coach did not identify who issued the directive. It remains unclear whether the instruction came from FIFA, a U.S. tournament official, or U.S. government officials.
Iranian player who scored in the match said the team had expected to arrive in Los Angeles two days before the game but was delayed. The squad reached the city on Sunday afternoon and went straight to training, leaving players tired. He added that the arrangement was not fair.
Another player who scored said training in Mexico while playing in Los Angeles created significant difficulties. He thanked people in Mexico for their hospitality but noted the team was unhappy with the result.
Infantino addressed the Iranian players in their locker room after the match. A video clip shared by an Iranian state media reporter showed him saying he understood the challenges the team faced. He told the players they were stronger than everything and had sent a strong message to the world.
Infantino also said the match was just the beginning of the World Cup and that the team was writing history. Before kickoff, a group of Iranian-Americans in the stands booed the Iranian national anthem. Some supporters wore shirts displaying Iran's pre-revolutionary flag, which FIFA prohibits as a political symbol.
Iran is scheduled to face Belgium next Monday at Los Angeles Stadium and will play Egypt in Seattle on June 27.
