Iran ordered to leave US hours after World Cup opener, coach says team left in confusion
The Iranian squad was told to board a plane and return to its training base in Mexico just hours after a thrilling 2-2 draw with New Zealand, while its captain and another player faced lengthy airport security checks.
Iran’s Group 7 opener against New Zealand turned into a night of football, controversy and travel chaos. The team fought back twice to earn a 2-2 draw at SoFi Stadium, only to be ordered out of the United States immediately afterwards and subjected to delays that left its coach mystified.
The match
A lively encounter saw Ely Just put New Zealand ahead in the 7th minute, finishing a neat triangular move involving Chris Wood. Iran responded through Ramin Rezaeian, who pounced from close range in the 32nd minute after a shot was blocked. Just struck again in the 55th minute, latching onto another Wood assist, but Mohammad Mohebbi headed Iran level in the 64th minute. Both sides pushed for a winner, yet the 2-2 scoreline held. The result left all four Group 7 teams on one point after Belgium and Egypt drew 1-1 earlier.
We needed about five hours for what is normally a short trip because of additional security checks between Tijuana and the Los Angeles area.
A celebration that drew fire
Mohebbi’s equaliser was overshadowed by his celebration: he formed a gun with his hands and made a firing gesture, a move that instantly went viral and provoked strong reactions. Video of the gesture spread widely across social media.
Anthem and atmosphere
Before kick-off the Iranian players placed their hands on their hearts and sang the national anthem with visible emotion. A section of the crowd jeered at the start, but by the end many in the stadium were applauding warmly. Los Angeles is home to one of the largest Iranian communities outside Iran, and the stands reflected both support for the players and hostility toward the Tehran regime. Demonstrations against the national team had taken place outside the stadium earlier.
Told to leave immediately
After the final whistle, Iran’s plans to rest overnight in California were scrapped.
After the match they said: “You have to leave right away.” For us recovery is very important, but we were asked to board the plane and go back to Tijuana. We are really troubled.
The coach said he did not know who issued the order, adding: “It seems as if others are organising our schedule. Decision-making is happening somewhere else. We had planned to stay and return the next day, but that changed without explanation.”
Travel chaos
At Los Angeles airport, captain Mehdi Taremi and forward Said Al-Hawi were held up by repeated security checks, delaying the team’s departure for Tijuana. The Iranian federation confirmed the two players faced difficulties “just as on the outbound journey.” Separately, a visa problem stranded Mehdi Torabi; the federation said it was taking steps to renew his visa so he can join the squad for upcoming matches.
I think our team is perhaps the most pressured in the World Cup.
What comes next
Iran still has two group matches left: against Belgium on Sunday in Inglewood, California, and against Egypt next week in Seattle. The team must again travel from its Tijuana base into the United States, a journey that proved difficult this week and will now be scrutinised even more closely.
