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LOS ANGELES, United States – Iran’s national football team has been ordered to leave the United States immediately following its 2-2 World Cup opening draw against New Zealand in Los Angeles, tournament officials said. The directive came just hours after the final whistle, despite the team having arrived in the country less than 36 hours before kickoff. Officials instructed the squad to return to its base camp in Mexico, where it is now expected to remain for the duration of the 2026 tournament. FIFA and tournament organizers described the relocation as a logistical adjustment tied to security and venue management needs, without providing further detail on the precise reasons. MEXICO – The decision has added fresh strain to an already tense geopolitical backdrop, as the match took place shortly after the announcement of a U.S.-Iran peace deal and drew intense international attention. The opening fixture against New Zealand was among the most-watched games of the first round, with coverage heavily focused on the two countries’ volatile diplomatic relationship. Iranian team officials said they were given only a tightly limited window to depart the United States and voiced frustration and confusion over the lack of clarity around the order. Tournament authorities have not yet confirmed whether Iran’s upcoming World Cup fixtures will still be staged on U.S. soil or shifted to other venues, leaving the team’s schedule and travel plans in doubt.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.