Iran coach says team ordered to leave US after opener

Forced departure from Los Angeles

Iranian National Team manager Amir Ghalenoei on Monday labeled his squad the "most repressed team in the whole World Cup," alleging authorities ordered the delegation to leave Los Angeles immediately after their opening match against New Zealand without allowing a scheduled recovery session. The squad had expected to remain overnight for a Tuesday recovery session, but were instructed to return immediately after the final whistle.

"We spent so much time in the air commuting, they didn't even give us time to recover," Ghalenoei said through an interpreter, according to ESPN. "After the game today, they said to us: 'You have to leave immediately.'" The coach did not specify which authorities had issued the order.

FIFA president's locker room visit

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi revealed that FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the team in the locker room following Monday's fixture. "For sure, he wants to try to help us, but it's about other things, too. Everyone knows it," Taremi stated, in an apparent reference to long-standing tensions between Washington and Tehran.

"I don't need to mention that because you know where we are," he added, as the two nations are set to conclude a peace deal this week following over 100 days of war.

Training base relocated to Mexico

The Iranian squad was initially scheduled to base in Tucson, Arizona, for the duration of the tournament, but relocated to Tijuana, Mexico, in late May after encountering visa complications. The team has faced ongoing travel restrictions amid the diplomatic rift.

The delegation's difficulties come as Washington and Tehran prepare to sign a peace agreement this week, ending more than three months of hostilities that have complicated the nation's World Cup preparations.