Iran Team Says U.S. Ordered 2-2 World Cup Return to Mexico
Updated
Updated · Forbes · Jun 16
Iran Team Says U.S. Ordered 2-2 World Cup Return to Mexico
3 articles · Updated · Forbes · Jun 16
Summary
Amir Ghalenoei said Iran was told to leave Los Angeles immediately after its 2-2 draw with New Zealand instead of staying overnight for player recovery.
The coach said the squad had planned to remain in California, but an unspecified authority ordered a return to its World Cup base in Tijuana, underscoring how the U.S.-Iran war is disrupting the tournament.
Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi said training in Mexico while playing in the U.S. has been exhausting; Mohebi added the team arrived in Los Angeles only the day before the match.
At SoFi Stadium, some Iranian-Americans booed the anthem and displayed pre-revolutionary flags, while FIFA president Gianni Infantino later told the team it was "just the beginning" of its World Cup.
Iran next faces group favorite Belgium in Los Angeles on Monday before a final group-stage match against Egypt in Seattle on June 27.