Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has accused authorities of treating his team unfairly at the World Cup, saying travel disruptions caused by ongoing fallout from US-Iran tensions negatively impacted his players’ performance in a dramatic 2-2 draw against New Zealand.
The match, played less than 24 hours after a peace agreement was announced between Washington and Tehran, unfolded against a backdrop of political protests, travel complications and uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation in the tournament.
Speaking after the match at Los Angeles Stadium on Monday, Ghalenoei said his team had faced repeated logistical challenges before and after the game.
The Iranian Football Federation had previously negotiated a late relocation of the team’s base camp from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, amid uncertainty over US visa arrangements and concerns that Iran’s presence in the United States should be kept to a minimum, according to Iran’s ambassador to Mexico.
Ghalenoei revealed that Iran had expected to remain overnight in Los Angeles after the match to recover before returning to Mexico the following day. Instead, the team was instructed to leave immediately.
“We’re supposed to stay here tonight to recover and return tomorrow lunchtime, but they haven’t permitted us,” Ghalenoei said.
“To be honest, I have no idea why. I think perhaps our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup.”
The coach did not specify who imposed the restriction.
The US State Department and FIFA did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Taremi says restrictions hurt team performance
Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi said the travel issues prevented the team from performing at its best.
“It’s not good for us. I think it’s not good for football,” Taremi said. “I think FIFA have to help us more than this.”
The forward described a rushed schedule that involved travelling from Tijuana to Los Angeles, checking into the hotel and then immediately heading to the stadium to inspect the pitch.
According to Taremi, the team should have been given two days to settle in Los Angeles before the match.
“It’s so bad and it affects our team and we just want peace,” he said.
Taremi also revealed that FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited Iran’s dressing room on Monday.
Missing staff and visa problems
Ghalenoei said the squad had also been affected by visa restrictions that prevented several officials and media representatives from travelling to the United States.
Among those unable to attend were members of the federation’s management and coaching teams, forcing remaining staff to take on additional responsibilities.
“Our management team, many of them aren’t here,” he said. “We had to deal with those roles ourselves.”
Despite the difficulties, the coach praised his players for showing resilience and securing a valuable point.
He added that the demanding travel schedule appeared to contribute to fatigue, with several players suffering cramp during the match.
Iran fight back twice in entertaining draw
On the pitch, Iran twice recovered from a goal down to earn a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in an entertaining Group G encounter.
New Zealand struck first when Elijah Just volleyed home from close range after being set up by captain Chris Wood. The goal was celebrated by some spectators critical of Iran’s government, many of whom waved the pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag. Some fans also booed Iran’s national anthem before kickoff.
However, the majority of the crowd of more than 70,000 supporters backed Team Melli, chanting “Iran! Iran!” throughout the match.
Iran equalised shortly after the half-hour mark when Ramin Rezaeian reacted quickest to a blocked shot and poked the ball past the advancing goalkeeper.
The goal was particularly significant as several Iranian players, including Rezaeian, had not played club football since February after the domestic league was suspended following US and Israeli airstrikes.
New Zealand regain lead before Iran respond
New Zealand restored their advantage early in the second half through another combination involving Wood and Just. Wood slipped a precise pass into the path of Just, who finished emphatically to make it 2-1.
Iran responded again 10 minutes later when Mohammad Mohebbi headed home a perfect cross from Rezaeian, with the ball going in off the far post.
Iran created the better chances during the closing stages but were unable to find a winning goal as the sun set over Southern California.
After the match, Rezaeian dedicated his performance to his family and country.
“I love my mom and dad. They always pray for me in difficult times, so this is for them,” he said. “And also for my people in Iran.”
The draw leaves all four teams in Group G level on one point. Earlier on Monday, Belgium and Egypt also played out a 1-1 draw.
New Zealand remain without a victory in World Cup history after seven matches and are making only their third appearance at the tournament.
Iran, meanwhile, continue their quest to reach the knockout stage for the first time.
New Zealand frustrated after letting lead slip twice
New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley admitted disappointment after seeing his side surrender the lead on two occasions.
“We’re disappointed not to win,” Bazeley said. “When you're leading twice in a game you come away with that ‘what if.’ We were probably as close as we've ever been to winning a game at the World Cup and we couldn't quite do that today.”
Despite the frustration, he praised his players for remaining competitive.
“We didn’t lose, we stayed in the game, scored goals and created chances, so it was a really strong performance I’m really proud of.”
Political tensions visible outside stadium
The match also highlighted divisions within the Iranian-American community.
Los Angeles is home to the world’s largest Iranian diaspora, and before kickoff between 300 and 500 protesters gathered outside the stadium carrying anti-government signs and flags.
Many Iranian-Americans said they felt conflicted between supporting the national team, opposing Tehran’s government and reacting to Washington’s military campaign against Iran.
Some argued that attending the match could be interpreted as support for the Iranian government, while others insisted football should remain separate from politics.
Iran welcomed in Mexico despite challenges
Ahead of the tournament, Iran relocated its base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico. The team has reportedly received a warm welcome from local residents there.
However, the move means Iran must travel internationally for all three of its group-stage matches, creating additional logistical challenges.
Despite his criticism of the travel arrangements, Ghalenoei expressed gratitude for the support shown by fans in Los Angeles.
“I think it was a very good atmosphere,” he said. “It was very positive, I was very happy with the supporters and the fans who were supporting the Iranian players. I think that was a very great achievement.”
Next matches
Iran will return to Los Angeles to face Belgium in their next Group G fixture on Sunday. New Zealand, meanwhile, will travel to Vancouver to take on Egypt as the race for qualification intensifies.
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