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Iran national team draws 2-2 with New Zealand amid visa issues

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 7:08 PM

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

Iran national team draws 2-2 with New Zealand amid visa issues

Summary

Iran's national soccer team played New Zealand to a 2-2 draw during their World Cup match. The Iranian coaching staff reportedly watched the game from a hotel in Tijuana after being denied entry to the United States. Forward Mehdi Taremi criticized the treatment of the squad, which has faced challenges related to travel and visas. FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the Iranian dressing room following the match, promising to assist with their concerns. The politically charged environment surrounding their participation in the tournament continues to affect the team's morale and preparations.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Iran draws 2-2 with New Zealand in their World Cup opener.
•Iranian coaches are in Tijuana after being denied US visas.
•Taremi criticizes the treatment of the team during the tournament.
•Infantino promises support to address the team's issues.
•Political tensions add complexity to Iran's participation in the World Cup.

Latest Updates

7:08 PMYahoo Sports — ‘This is madness’ – Iran World Cup coaches watch from hotel in Tijuana after being denied US visas

What they're saying

"
Iran’s 2026 World Cup campaign was always likely to have political overtones, given that the United States is one of the host nations. Their 2-2 draw with New Zealand could have been a straightforward soccer story, but forward Mehdi Taremi did not waste the chance to criticise how the squad and delegation have been treated during the tournament.
— Yahoo Sports

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