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Iran opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand on June 15 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Coach Amir Ghalenoei didn’t mince words after the final whistle, pointing directly at travel restrictions and visa complications as factors that undermined his team’s preparation and recovery. The Iranian squad, he said, was ordered to leave the United States immediately after the match, rather than staying overnight to rest and regroup.
Visas, relocations, and a base camp in Tijuana
While all 26 players in Iran’s squad were granted entry to the US, several support staff and team officials were denied visas entirely. Iran’s original base camp was planned for Arizona, but the team was forced into a last-minute relocation to Tijuana, Mexico, due to security and visa complications. The forced relocation required the team to fly in just a day before matches, which severely hampered recovery and logistical planning.
What happened on the pitch
Captain Mehdi Taremi echoed his coach’s frustrations after the match. Domestic football activities in Iran had been suspended amid ongoing conflict in the country, severely limiting the squad’s preparation window before the tournament. Ghalenoei characterized his team as potentially the most oppressed in this tournament.
The geopolitical backdrop
The US government’s scrutiny of Iranian support staff stems from longstanding geopolitical tensions between the two countries. Security concerns around Iranian support staff were cited as the reason for visa denials and the base camp relocation. Reports suggest these pressures intensified amidst protests among Iranian-Americans and official warnings from US authorities regarding personnel with potential ties to security issues. The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
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