Iran coach calls team most oppressed at World Cup after U.S. exit
4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 6:03 AM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
Iran's head coach Amir Ghalenoei stated that his team is the 'most repressed' at the World Cup after players were ordered to leave Los Angeles and return to their base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, immediately following their opening match. This decision came as a surprise to the team after they had hoped to remain in the U.S. for recovery time. The team has faced logistical difficulties, including visa issues that limited support staff. Ghalenoei expressed frustration over the abrupt change and lack of communication regarding their travel plans. Their opening match against New Zealand ended in a 2-2 draw, and despite the challenges, he remains determined to push forward.
- •Iran played to a 2-2 draw against New Zealand.
- •Players were forced to return to Mexico immediately after the match.
- •Coach Amir Ghalenoei criticized the team's treatment and logistical issues.
- •The team faced visa difficulties affecting support staff.
- •Star striker Mehdi Taremi labeled the situation a 'disaster.'
- 6:39 AMESPN — 'Repressed' Iran forced to leave U.S. after game
- 5:50 AMYahoo Sports — Iran coach after opening draw with New Zealand: 'Our team is the most oppressed in the whole World Cup'
- 5:22 AMYahoo Sports — Iran 'most oppressed team in whole World Cup' - coach
"Coach Amir Ghalenoei said Iran is the "most oppressed team in the World Cup" after his players were suddenly informed they must travel back to Mexico immediately after their opening game ended in Los Angeles late Monday."That's why I think we are the most oppressed team in the World Cup," he said.
"The head coach of Iran's national soccer team met twice with reporters at LA Stadium, before and after a 2-2 World Cup draw with New Zealand. And both times, he complained about the constantly changing schedule affecting his team. At least he's consistent.
"Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei called his team perhaps the "most repressed team in the whole World Cup," after he said they have been forced to leave Los Angeles and return to their base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, immediately following their opening match.
Sources
External links- ESPNJun 16, 2026, 6:39 AM'Repressed' Iran forced to leave U.S. after game
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei called his team perhaps the "most repressed team in the whole World Cup," after he said they have been forced to leave Los Angeles and return to their base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, immediately following their opening match.
- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 5:50 AMIran coach after opening draw with New Zealand: 'Our team is the most oppressed in the whole World Cup'
The head coach of Iran's national soccer team met twice with reporters at LA Stadium, before and after a 2-2 World Cup draw with New Zealand. And both times, he complained about the constantly changing schedule affecting his team. At least he's consistent.
- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 5:22 AMIran 'most oppressed team in whole World Cup' - coach
Coach Amir Ghalenoei said Iran is the "most oppressed team in the World Cup" after his players were suddenly informed they must travel back to Mexico immediately after their opening game ended in Los Angeles late Monday."That's why I think we are the most oppressed team in the World Cup," he said.
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