Iran coach criticizes World Cup organizers after forced early departure from USA

Iran's national team was forced to leave the United States and return to their training base in Tijuana just hours after drawing 2-2 with New Zealand in their World Cup opener on Monday, prompting sharp criticism from coach Amir Ghalenoei. The coach described the situation as a "disaster" and stated that his team was "perhaps the most disadvantaged selection at this World Cup," noting that organizers provided no explanation for the abrupt departure decision. Captain Mehdi Taremi reported that the delegation spent five hours traveling and undergoing security checks on Sunday for what should have been a brief trip from Tijuana to the Los Angeles area, adding that the team was not given time for standard post-match recovery.

Ghalenoei expressed frustration at the lack of planning and communication, stating: "For being honest, we don't know why they send us back. I think it's very strange. It seems like others are doing the planning for us." The team had expected to remain in California overnight to conduct usual recovery procedures before being instructed to immediately board a flight back to Mexico. The coach did not specify which officials or organizations made the decision to expedite the departure.

Despite the logistical frustrations, Ghalenoei praised the team's performance in the opening match, describing it as "the best game of the group stage at this World Cup" even though Iran came from behind twice before securing the draw. The team's path to the tournament has been turbulent, with the squad continuing to compete despite the United States and Israel initiating military action against Iran on February 28. The team requested that FIFA relocate their three group-stage matches outside the United States, but the request was denied.

The match in Inglewood, California—located in the heart of the largest Iranian diaspora community outside Iran—became a focal point for political tensions. Several hundred Iranian-Americans protested outside the stadium, holding pre-revolutionary flags featuring the lion and sun symbol and demanding changes in Tehran. While thousands of supporters entered the stadium to watch the match, clashes erupted between protesters and fans. Security personnel separated heated discussions before and after the game, and sheriff's deputies were reinforced near kickoff. Some protesters who entered the stadium wore extra clothing to conceal their pre-revolutionary flags, with one stating: "We are not here to support them. We are here to be the voice of the people inside Iran." Supporters countered that they came to watch the sport separately from politics.