Iran soccer team ordered to leave Los Angeles after 2‑2 draw with New Zealand

After a 2‑2 World Cup group‑stage draw with New Zealand in Los Angeles, the Iranian national team was told to depart immediately and fly back to its base in Tijuana, Mexico, instead of staying overnight for recovery as originally planned. Captain Mehdi Taremi said the sudden move burdened players and staff and hurt preparation for the next match, while coach Amir Ghalenoei called the decision unexpected and unexplained. FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the locker room, but it remains unclear whether the order came from FIFA, local organizers, or U.S. officials.

The match also sparked a flag controversy. FIFA banned the pre‑revolutionary lion‑sun flag, leading to a dispute among Iranian supporters; some fans wore prohibited flags or shirts, and a lawsuit challenging the ban was dismissed. A group of spectators displayed transparent banners reading “MINAB168,” linking the incident to broader political grievances. The events underline the intersection of sport and Iran‑U.S. political tensions during the tournament.