Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei blasted travel chaos after a 2‑2 draw with New Zealand. The team had planned an overnight stay in Los Angeles, then a recovery session, but were ordered to return to Tijuana immediately. Ghalenoei called the move the most oppressive action against a squad in this World Cup.

Visa snags forced the Iranian camp to relocate from Tucson to Tijuana in late May, leaving key staff without US entry. FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the dressing room after the match, but the federation has yet to regain ticket access or secure the missing staff. Ghalenoei said the team feels oppressed by the sudden reset.

With a Group G tie against Belgium looming, the team must regroup in Los Angeles before facing Egypt in Seattle on June 27. Captain Mehdi Taremi echoed the coach’s frustration, calling the situation a disaster and demanding more FIFA backing. Iran’s plight highlights the logistical hurdles that can derail a squad’s focus during the tournament.

The Iranian Football Federation has publicly urged FIFA to enforce neutrality and fairness, citing the revocation of ticket allocations on the eve of the tournament. Players report cramped recovery conditions and a lack of media coverage, adding to the mental strain. If FIFA fails to intervene, the team risks further disruption that could cost them points in a tightly contested group.