Iran's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign began with a thrilling 2-2 draw against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, but the team's post-match concerns quickly moved away from the result. Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei raised questions over the team's travel arrangements, claiming the squad was asked to leave the United States immediately after the match and return to their base in Tijuana, Mexico.
Ghalenoei said the team had expected to stay overnight in California to recover before travelling back the next day. However, the players were reportedly told after the final whistle that they needed to leave right away.
