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Iran’s World Cup Team Says It Was Forced To Leave U.S. After First Game

Iran’s national team alleges it was ordered to leave the U.S. immediately after its 2-2 draw with New Zealand, disrupting recovery plans and raising questions about FIFA’s handling of logistics. The coach calls his squad the 'most oppressed' at this tournament, while U.S. officials dispute claims of last-minute changes. FIFA’s president has reportedly promised intervention. All group games remain in the U.S., but the team’s base is in Mexico.

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What changed

New reports confirm the U.S. government’s awareness of the team’s early departure plan, while FIFA’s Gianni Infantino is said to have offered assistance after criticism over the move.

Live updates

  1. Iran World Cup team claims forced U.S. exit after opener; FIFA under scrutiny

    Iran’s national team alleges it was ordered to leave the U.S. immediately after its 2-2 draw with New Zealand, disrupting recovery plans and raising questions about FIFA’s handling of logistics. The coach calls his squad the 'most oppressed' at this tournament, while U.S. officials dispute claims of last-minute changes. FIFA’s president has reportedly promised intervention. All group games remain in the U.S., but the team’s base is in Mexico.

    What's confirmed:

    • Iran’s World Cup team was instructed to leave the U.S. and return to its training base in Tijuana, Mexico, just hours after its opening 2-2 draw with New Zealand.
    • The team’s coach, Amir Ghalenoei, described Iran as the 'most oppressed' squad at the tournament, criticizing organizers for disrupting recovery plans.
    • A U.S. official stated Iran was informed in advance that the team would have to depart shortly after its match, contradicting claims of a sudden order.
    • FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reportedly promised to help address the Iranian team’s complaints about logistical treatment.
    • Iran’s group-stage games are all scheduled in the U.S., but the team’s operational hub remains in Tijuana, Mexico.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Iran’s team claims it was 'brutally forced' to leave the U.S. immediately after the match, with one source describing the move as an 'apparent change of plans.'
    • The Trump administration is 'pushing back' on the team’s complaints, framing the early departure as a prearranged condition.
    • The Iranian diaspora in the U.S. is divided over the team’s performance and treatment, with protests and support both reported in 'Tehrangeles.'
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