US Says Iran’s Team Was Always Expected to Return to Mexico After World Cup Match
The United States has said Iran’s national football team was always scheduled to return to its training base in Mexico immediately after its World Cup matches, despite complaints from head coach Amir Ghalenoei about the arrangements.
The dispute emerged after Iran’s opening match against New Zealand, when the team was required to leave the United States and travel back to Tijuana. Ghalenoei expressed frustration that his players were not given the opportunity to stay overnight and recover at a hotel in California.
US Defends World Cup Travel Arrangements
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the tournament, said the original plan required Iran’s squad to return to Mexico after its matches in the United States. The travel arrangements were linked to restrictions governing the team’s movements during the competition.
The Iranian coach argued that the immediate departure disrupted the players’ recovery process. He said the team had expected to spend the night in California before returning to its training camp.
US officials maintained that the travel protocol had been established in advance. The government also pointed to the relocation of Iran’s training base from Tucson to Tijuana as a measure that reduced the team’s travel time to its matches in Los Angeles.
Tensions Surround Iran’s World Cup Participation
The disagreement is part of a wider series of challenges surrounding Iran’s participation in the World Cup, including visa issues, travel restrictions and tensions between Tehran and Washington.
Iran’s players are scheduled to travel to the United States for their group matches and return to Mexico afterward, under the arrangements described by US officials. The team’s travel plans have attracted attention as political tensions continue to influence aspects of the tournament.
As the competition progresses, discussions over travel conditions, player recovery and the treatment of Iran’s delegation are likely to remain part of the broader debate surrounding the team’s World Cup experience.
