Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei said his squad is the most oppressed team in the World Cup following travel and visa complications in the U.S. [1].
The situation highlights the intersection of geopolitical tensions and international sports, as the Iranian delegation faced immediate departure from a host nation during the tournament.
On June 15, 2026, Iran played New Zealand in a Group G match at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California [2], [3]. The game ended in a 2-2 draw [1]. Shortly after the final whistle, U.S. authorities ordered the Iranian delegation to leave the country [2].
"We are the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup," Ghalenoei said [2].
The coach said that the team was ordered out of the United States just hours after the game [3]. The squad was forced to depart for their base in Mexico amid what reports describe as visa and immigration chaos [4], [5].
Ghalenoei linked these logistical hurdles to the broader diplomatic climate. "Our build-up to the finals has been profoundly impacted by the conflict between our country and the United States," Ghalenoei said [1].
The sudden relocation of the team from the U.S. to Mexico occurred despite the tournament's shared hosting structure. The disruption comes at a critical juncture as the team begins its group stage campaign.
“"We are the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup."”
The expulsion of the Iranian delegation from the U.S. shortly after their opening match underscores the volatility of diplomatic relations between Tehran and Washington. While the World Cup typically operates as a neutral ground for international competition, these immigration hurdles suggest that political frictions continue to override sporting protocols, potentially impacting the performance and psychological state of the Iranian team.
