Iran says team asked to leave US immediately after drawing 2-2 with New Zealand
The Iranian national football team has accused FIFA of unfair treatment after US authorities ordered them to leave Los Angeles immediately following their World Cup match against New Zealand. The team claims logistical hurdles and visa issues have severely hampered their tournament preparations.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the intersection of international sports, geopolitical tensions, and the logistical challenges of hosting global events.
New Delhi , UPDATED: Jun 16, 2026 12:19 IST Posted By: Saurabh Kumar Iran have accused FIFA of unfair treatment after being ordered by US authorities to leave Los Angeles immediately following their 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their FIFA World Cup opener, with head coach Amir Ghalenoei describing his side as "the most oppressed team" at the tournament.
The article reports on the team's grievances while maintaining a neutral tone regarding the underlying political causes.
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