Iran Coach Protests Forced Return to Mexico, Calls Team ‘World Cup’s Most Oppressed’

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei said his squad was ordered to leave Los Angeles immediately after their 2-2 draw with New Zealand. The team had planned to stay in California for recovery before flying to their base camp in Tijuana, Mexico. Ghalenoei claimed the sudden departure left players without crucial rest and recovery time. He pointed out that Iran’s delegation was missing key staff and media due to visa denials, while the head of the federation was also absent. Despite FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s promises of assistance before the match, the coach felt Iran faced unequal treatment. “Perhaps our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup,” Ghalenoei said through FIFA’s interpreter.

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