Iran's journey in the FIFA World Cup 2026 began with an exciting 2-2 draw against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. However, the team's post-match experience was marred by unexpected travel issues. Coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed his frustration after the squad was instructed to leave the United States immediately following the match.

Travel Disruptions Following the Match

Ghalenoei revealed that the team had anticipated staying overnight in California to recuperate before making their way back to their base in Tijuana, Mexico. Instead, they were informed right after the final whistle that they needed to depart immediately. The coach emphasized the importance of recovery after a physically demanding game, stating, "They didn't even give us time to recover. Recovery is extremely important after a match, but we were asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana. We are really troubled by that."

Uncertainty Surrounding the Decision

The coach further expressed confusion regarding the rationale behind the abrupt change in plans. He mentioned that it felt as though decisions were being made without the team's input. "To be honest, we don't know why we are being sent back. It feels very strange. It seems that decisions are being made for us elsewhere," Ghalenoei said. He noted that the team had initially planned to arrive two days before the match and stay overnight afterward, leaving them puzzled about the sudden shift in arrangements.

As the team grapples with these travel challenges, the focus remains on their performance on the field, which was overshadowed by the logistical issues they faced. The situation highlights the complexities teams can encounter during major tournaments like the World Cup.