Iran coach criticises travel disruption after 2-2 World Cup draw with New Zealand

Los Angeles, June 16 : Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei voiced frustration over what he described as a sudden and unexpected change to his team’s travel arrangements following Iran’s 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their opening Group G match of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ghalenoei claimed that the Iranian team had been instructed to leave Los Angeles immediately after the game and return to its training base in Tijuana, Mexico, despite earlier assurances that they would remain in the United States until Tuesday afternoon.

According to the coach, the last-minute change disrupted the team’s recovery plans and added to a series of challenges the squad has faced in recent weeks.

“After the game they said to us, ‘you have to leave immediately.’ We’ve been asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana, and we are really troubled by that,” Ghalenoei told reporters.

He further alleged that the team had repeatedly encountered logistical difficulties during its World Cup campaign.

“They are forcing us to go back early. They are making the situation more and more difficult, more hurdles, but we’re not going to let that stop us from doing our best,” he added.

The Iranian coach also revealed that the team had initially planned to arrive in Los Angeles two days before the match but was unable to do so. He said the squad had hoped to stay overnight after the game to recover before travelling back to Mexico.

Ghalenoei expressed concern over what he described as a lack of support structures around the team during the tournament.

“I think our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup. Our federation isn’t here, our media isn’t here, our management isn’t here,” he said.

Iran striker Mehdi Taremi echoed the coach’s concerns, describing the situation as highly stressful for both players and staff.

“It’s a lot of stress for the players and staff. We are just tired of this situation. It’s so bad, and it affects our team,” Taremi said.

Iran’s participation in the World Cup has unfolded amid uncertainty linked to ongoing tensions and conflict in the Middle East, factors that have reportedly complicated travel and security arrangements for the team.

Despite the off-field challenges, Iran produced a spirited performance in their opening fixture, earning a valuable point in a 2-2 draw against New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Gianni Infantino visited the Iranian dressing room after the match and held discussions with members of the team, though details of the conversation were not disclosed.

Iran’s travel concerns may persist during the remainder of the group stage. Their next Group G encounter against Belgium is also scheduled to take place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, requiring the team to travel back to the United States later this week before returning to Mexico once again.

As Iran prepares for its crucial second group-stage match, the team will be hoping to overcome logistical challenges and focus on its quest for a place in the knockout stages.

Team Maverick.