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Team Iran is already "exhausted" by the obstacles they've faced at the 2026 World Cup, after being required to leave the United States immediately once Monday's 2–2 draw against New Zealand concluded.
All three of Iran's group stage matches are being held on American soil, yet the squad has been prevented from remaining in the country throughout their participation in the tournament. The initial plan was to establish a base in Arizona, but that arrangement fell through, and the team is now stationed in Tijuana, Mexico.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated there is "no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico." She added: "We have no problem."
Iran is only permitted to enter the U.S. on match days. Team official Abolfazl Pasandideh confirmed to the media: "We can enter in the morning and we must leave the same day."
That meant departing Los Angeles immediately after the New Zealand fixture. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei voiced his frustration over the damaging effects of those stringent restrictions.
"We've spent so much time traveling by air. They didn't even allow us time to recover after the match. They told us we had to leave right away," Ghalenoei said. "Recovery time is extremely important for us, yet we were forced to return to Tijuana, and we are genuinely distressed by that.
"We don't understand why they keep sending us back [to Mexico]. I find it very strange. It feels as though others are making decisions on our behalf, choices being made somewhere else entirely. We were supposed to arrive two nights before the game and were not allowed. We were supposed to stay [one night] and return [Tuesday] lunchtime, but I have no idea why [we couldn't], and no explanation has been given."
Iran 'Most Oppressed Team' in World Cup
While the players are at least permitted to enter the U.S. for games, 15 staff members were denied entry altogether. Four appeals have since been approved, but 11 still cannot travel with the team and were forced to remain in Mexico for the group opener at SoFi Stadium.
"We don't have our President here, and none of the staff either, which matters enormously to us. Our manager, for instance, has had to take on media duties himself, and honestly everything feels like a disaster. We are simply worn out by this situation, because we are dealing with so many problems," captain Mehdi Taremi said.
"It's really terrible, and it's affecting our team. We just want the peace that FIFA stands for. I think FIFA needs to do more to help us, and then we'll see what happens going forward."
"Our team is the most oppressed one in this entire World Cup," Ghalenoei continued.
"The federation is absent. Our media isn't here. Many members of our management team aren't here. We normally have part of the coaching staff to assist with substitutions, but we didn't have that. Many in the technical area had to manage without them."
FIFA President Promises to 'Help' Iran
FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the Iranian national football team's dressing room following the Iran-New Zealand match in Group G of the 2026 World Cup.
He praised the players, saying, "You are writing history and the whole world is watching you. Continue to play with⬇️ pic.twitter.com/O9LZk0broy
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has cultivated a close relationship with Donald Trump throughout the lead-up to this World Cup, which has drawn increasing criticism now that the administration is doing little to address issues such as visa complications affecting participants at all levels.
FIFA was quick to state that nothing could be done to assist Omar Artan, the Somali referee who was denied entry into the U.S., though the organization has since pledged to pay the official his full fee regardless.
However, Infantino's appearance in the Iran dressing room on Monday was captured on video and widely circulated across social media. He was heard offering strong words of encouragement to the players given the numerous challenges they have faced simply in getting onto the pitch.
"I know what you are going through, I understand, but you are stronger than all of it," Infantino said. "You are sending a powerful message to the entire world. Tonight, you united the whole stadium behind you, behind Team Melli. You are delivering such a strong message to the world."
Taremi revealed that Iran's players urged the FIFA President to step in, and received an encouraging response: "[Infantino] came into the changing room and we raised the same concerns with him. He genuinely wants to help us. He said the World Cup is just getting started and that he will support us."
Only time will tell what form that long-awaited 'help' will ultimately take.