Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has described his squad as the "most oppressed" team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after last-minute travel restrictions were imposed on them following their opening match in the tournament.

Speaking after Iran's 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday, Ghalenoei revealed that the team had planned to remain in Los Angeles overnight for a recovery session the following day. Instead, they were instructed immediately after the final whistle to board a plane and return to their training base in Tijuana, Mexico.

"After the game they said to us, 'you have to leave immediately,'" Ghalenoei said. "We've been asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana and we are really troubled by that. They are forcing us to go back early. They are making the situation more and more difficult, more hurdles, but we're not going to let that stop us from doing our best."

A tournament plagued by obstacles

Iran's participation at the World Cup has been overshadowed by a series of difficulties tied to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and related security concerns. The team had originally planned to base themselves in Tucson, Arizona, but relocated their camp to Tijuana, Mexico in late May after encountering visa and logistical problems.

Multiple backroom staff described as "integral" to the setup were denied US entry visas, while the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) called on FIFA to "uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations" after the team's ticket allocation was revoked on the eve of the tournament. FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the Iran dressing room after the New Zealand match as tensions continued to mount.

"We don't know why they're returning us, to be honest. I think it's very strange. It seems like others are doing the planning for us," Ghalenoei added. "I think our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup. Our federation isn't here, our media isn't here, our management isn't here."

Taremi calls situation a 'disaster'

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi echoed those sentiments, describing the team's circumstances as a "disaster." While he acknowledged Infantino's gesture in visiting the dressing room and listening to the players' concerns, Taremi called on FIFA to go further in its support.

"It's not good for us. It's not good for the football, because in a World Cup, you have to prepare well for the next game, because it is a lot of stress for the players and staff and everyone," Taremi said. "But we don't have that support, and I think Fifa have to help us more than this."

Iran return to Los Angeles to face Belgium on 21 June (20:00 BST), before concluding their Group G campaign against Egypt in Seattle on 27 June (04:00 BST).