It’s just so unfair. An emotional Iranian soccer coach, Amir Ghalenoei, stated on Monday that Iran is “the most oppressed team in the entire World Cup” after players were instructed to return to their home base in Mexico right after the opening match in Los Angeles.
Following military tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which had just ended with a peace deal announced on Sunday, some support staff from the Iranian team were denied visas, and players received travel documents at the last minute, according to reports.
As a result, those who are cleared to participate will remain in Mexico for the tournament.
The U.S. government asserts its right to determine who can enter the country and the circumstances surrounding their entry.
Originally, the team planned to hold their training camp in Tucson, Arizona, but due to visa and logistical challenges, they switched to Tijuana, Mexico at the last moment.
Ghalenoei expressed frustration, stating, “They delayed our arrival and (now) are making us go home early without time to recover,” after the team drew 2-2 with New Zealand.
He added, “They’re creating more obstacles for us, but we won’t let that hinder our efforts.”
Previously, the team was told they could stay in the U.S. until Tuesday afternoon “to recover” from their match.
However, Ghalenoei remarked, “Once again, they didn’t allow us. Honestly, I don’t know why we weren’t informed.”
He emphasized, “I believe we are the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup. Our federation isn’t here, our media isn’t here, and our management isn’t here.”
Iran’s involvement in soccer’s biggest international competition has sparked speculation, both within and outside the sports arena, with the Iranian government portraying itself as a victim of American oppression.
Earlier this month, U.S. officials stated that visas had been granted to all players and “necessary support staff” ahead of Iran’s initial match in Los Angeles.
They also declared that Iran should not be allowed to “abuse this system to enter the United States under false pretenses of terrorism.”
Iranian state media echoed the victim narrative, noting that 15 government officials, including the president of the soccer federation and his representatives, were among those left without entry to the U.S.
In April, a proposal from President Trump’s special envoy to replace Iran with Italy was quickly dismissed by both FIFA and the Italian football community.
Iran will return to Los Angeles to face the Belgian national team on June 21, in preparation for their final Group G match against Egypt on June 27 in Seattle.
This marks Iran’s fourth consecutive appearance in the World Cup.
