World Cup 2026 Controversy: Iran’s Coach Calls Team ‘Most Oppressed’ After Opening Match Against New Zealand

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has described his side as the “most oppressed team” at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a chaotic opening in Group G against New Zealand. His players were ordered onto a plane back to Mexico within minutes of the 2-2 draw, denying them a planned overnight recovery session in Los Angeles.

The situation shows a World Cup campaign for Iran defined more by logistical hurdles than football, including visa bans, ticket revocations, relocated training camps, and sudden travel directives.

An Overnight Recovery Session That Never Happened

Iran had planned to remain in Los Angeles after their opening draw for a recovery session the next morning. At the final whistle, those plans were abruptly canceled.

“After the game, they said to us, ‘You have to leave immediately,’” Ghalenoei told reporters. “They are forcing us to go back early, making the situation more and more difficult, but we’re not going to let that stop us from doing our best.”

The forced departure underscored the team’s increasingly constrained logistics. Iran was originally set to base itself in Tucson, Arizona, but relocated to Tijuana, Mexico in late May due to persistent visa issues for delegation members.

Visa Bans, Ticket Revocations, and Federation Protests

The overnight travel order is only the latest in a series of off-field challenges for Iran.

Several members of Iran’s coaching and support staff were denied U.S. visas, limiting the technical team available on matchdays. Additionally, the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) reported that its ticket allocation for the tournament had been revoked just before the competition, prompting formal complaints to FIFA over fairness and neutrality.

These complications are compounded by broader geopolitical tensions between Tehran and Washington, which have influenced the off-field handling of the Iranian delegation.

Infantino Steps In as FIFA Scrutiny Mounts

FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the Iran dressing room after the New Zealand match, signaling growing international attention on the team’s treatment. While no concrete intervention has been announced, the visit reflects FIFA’s awareness of the issues surrounding Iran’s World Cup campaign.

Iran Remain in Contention Despite the Chaos

On the field, Iran showed resilience despite off-field pressures. The team twice came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw with New Zealand, keeping them in contention for a knockout-round berth.

Group G also includes Belgium and Egypt, with all four teams drawing their opening matches. Iran will return to Los Angeles to face Belgium on June 21 before concluding the group stage against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.