‘Leave immediately’: Iran coach reveals shocking post-match order in LA

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has said his team were forced into an abrupt post-match departure from Los Angeles after their 2-2 draw against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium on Monday, leaving players with no recovery time.

Speaking through an interpreter, Ghalenoei said the squad had expected to remain in the city overnight to recover before travelling back to their base camp in Tijuana, but were instead instructed to leave immediately after the match.

“After the game today, they said to us, ‘You have to leave immediately,’” he said. “It’s very important for us to have time for recovery, but we are asked to get on a plane and return to our camp.”

He said the sudden change disrupted normal post-match recovery routines and added strain to an already demanding tournament schedule.

“We don’t know why they are asking us to return, to be honest,” he said. “I think it’s very strange. It seems like others are doing the planning for us.”

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi also highlighted wider logistical difficulties faced by the squad, pointing to extended travel times and stricter security procedures compared to typical short-haul movements within the United States.

He added that several members of the Iran delegation, including officials and media staff, were unable to travel after being denied US visas ahead of the tournament.

Players also experienced time pressure during post-match media duties, with a FIFA official reportedly attempting to conclude the press conference while they were still speaking.

“It’s very difficult for us,” Taremi said, describing the overall situation as challenging for team preparation and recovery.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino later visited the Iran dressing room after the match, where he told players they were “stronger than everything” and had “united the whole stadium,” according to footage shared online.

Iran’s preparations have already been shaped by logistical constraints, with the team based in Tijuana during the tournament to avoid complications linked to travel and immigration processes.

They are next scheduled to face Belgium in Los Angeles before travelling to Seattle for their final group-stage fixture against Egypt.