Two points from two matches left Iran encouraged after a 0-0 draw with Belgium, with coach Amir Ghalenoei calling it a "beautiful game" despite what he described as the team's worst conditions.
A 16-hour turnaround with two flights, visa complications and restricted travel from Iran's Tijuana base left the squad landing in the U.S. on Saturday night, playing Sunday and returning to Mexico the same night.
Alireza Beiranvand preserved the point with several key saves, including a goal-line stop after Kevin De Bruyne's cross flashed across the Iran box in the second half.
June 26 in Seattle now looms as Iran's decisive Group G match against Egypt, with the team chasing its first-ever World Cup knockout-stage berth and again seeking more time to adapt before kickoff.