Tag: Los Angeles

Ghalenoei : "Iran played 'beautiful game' vs. Belgium under 'worst' conditions"

INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said his team played a "beautiful game" under the "worst possible conditions" in their 0-0 draw with Belgium at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.

Among the reasons Ghalenoei listed that made life difficult on his team were short travel windows, visa complications entering the United States and Mexico in recent weeks, almost no time to properly prepare the team ahead of the tournament and a world-class opponent in Belgium, FIFA's No. 10-ranked team.

"We came into the World Cup under the worst possible conditions," Ghalenoei told reporters after the Group G game left Iran on two points from two matches. "And still we got a result against a great team and a great manager.

"We played a beautiful game."

Iran, whose travel from their base in Tijuana, Mexico, into and out of the U.S. has been restricted, landed in the U.S. on Saturday night, played Sunday and were due to return to Mexico on Sunday night.

"We had two great games without losing," Ghalenoei said, alluding to his team's opening 2-2 draw with New Zealand. "Tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we focus on Egypt, which is a very strong team.

"We need to recover and then ... we have to fly back. We don't even have enough time to recover. Tomorrow, we will look at [today's] game and look at the game with Egypt."

"Right now, we need recovery," he continued. "Sixteen hours, two flights and a heavy game. I don't think anyone could have endured this. And our players have given everything. What we need the most now is to recover."

Winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh, who plays his club football in Belgium and came on at halftime Sunday, said at the bare minimum Iran wanted to have their entire support staff with them when they traveled and time to adapt to the location they played.

"That's just the fairness," Jahanbakhsh said. "I think for all the teams, and I don't think we are asking for much.

"From the other side, this is part of our culture that in a difficult situation we perform better. I think that united us even more, and that's one of the things we showed today. We showed a great deal of character, and part of it comes from the situation we are in, obviously."

Iran will play their final match against Egypt on Friday at Lumen Field in Seattle with an eye to reaching the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in the country's history.

"Hopefully, for the next game, we can go a bit earlier," Jahanbakhsh added. "Seattle is a different city, a different place and further from the place where we are staying in Tijuana."

Ghalenoei and Jahanbakhsh also singled out goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand for keeping Iran in the game and helping them earn a valuable point.

Beiranvand had several key saves in the game, including one on his own line midway through the second half to keep Belgium out after Kevin De Bruyne's cross rolled across the Iran goalmouth before Beiranvand smothered the chance.

"He is one of our greatest goalkeepers in the history of Iranian football, and he had one of his best days today," Ghalenoei said. "He had the right concentration, and he gave us one very valuable point."

For the second game in a row, Iran played in front of jam-packed stadium -- 70,317 was Sunday's official attendance -- and despite a solid showing from Belgium fans, Iran was roared on by a large contingent of supporters throughout the match.

Iran's World Cup Campaign Hamstrung by Border Bureaucracy—Nabi Confirms Visa Fix, but Travel Nightmare Continues

Mohammad Mohammad-Nabi, Vice President of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) and Team Melli manager, addressed the media regarding Iran's latest preparations ahead of their crucial World Cup clash against Belgium.

"After all four teams in the group drew their opening matches, everything has effectively reset. The group is wide open," Nabi remarked, reflecting on the competitive balance of Group G.

The national team, currently based in Tijuana, Mexico, has been undergoing recovery sessions following the physically demanding draw against New Zealand. The players are scheduled to train on the main pitch at the Tijuana camp later today (Friday) as they fine-tune their preparations for the Belgium encounter.

On the subject of visa complications that had threatened to disrupt Iran's campaign, Nabi offered reassurance: "The players and coaching staff have no issues. Only Mehdi Torabi's visa was initially issued as single-entry, but that problem was resolved yesterday. He is now cleared to re-enter the United States and rejoin the squad for the remainder of the group stage."

However, Nabi acknowledged ongoing logistical frustrations regarding the team's travel arrangements. "We had formally requested that the national team be permitted to stay at the tournament site two days prior to each match. We are currently in negotiations with the relevant authorities to resolve this matter. If they do not grant us permission, we will once again adopt the same approach as the first match—traveling to Los Angeles one day before the game and returning to Mexico immediately after."

Regarding the squad's fitness ahead of the pivotal Belgium match, the FFIRI Vice President provided a positive update: "The players are currently in a recovery phase, and no player is experiencing any issues at the moment. Mehdi Torabi has been reintegrated into group training following his injury, while Roozbeh Cheshmi is continuing his convalescence period and is being monitored closely by the medical staff."

‘Our team is the most oppressed’: Iran coach hits out at FIFA and US over treatment

The Guardian
Story by Alexander Abnos and Ben Fisher at Los Angeles Stadium

The Iran captain, Mehdi Taremi, midfielder Mohammad Mohebi, and the head coach, Amir Ghalenoei, hit out at Fifa and hinted at resentment toward the US government after being told they needed to leave Los Angeles ­immediately after Monday night’s 2-2 draw against New Zealand.

“Everything is like disaster for us,” said Taremi, who added that the Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, visited the team in the dressing room and they expressed their concerns to him directly.

Related: Iran twice come from behind to claim draw in World Cup opener with New Zealand

Ghalenoei said Iran’s treatment by Fifa makes them “the most oppressed” team at the tournament. “After the game today they said to us: ‘You have to leave immediately.’ Whereas it’s very important for us to have recovery.

“We’ve been asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana and we are really troubled by that. They are forcing us to go back early. They are making the situation more and more difficult, more hurdles, but we’re not going to let that stop us from doing our best.

“We don’t know why they’re returning us. It’s very strange. It seems like others are doing the ­planning for us … We were ­supposed to arrive two nights before the game but they didn’t permit [it]. We were supposed to stay here tonight to recover and return tomorrow lunchtime.

“Our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup. Our federation isn’t here, our media isn’t here, our management isn’t here.”

Infantino went into the Iran ­dressing room after the game and a video of his message to the squad was shared online, in which Infantino and Ghalenoei exchanged words, via a member of staff translating.

“You showed to your families, friends, to your people, to the world, that you’re in the World Cup, that you perform and you have two more games to go,” Infantino said. “In these two games you will make again ­everyone in the world proud of what you do. Thank you for being here.

“It is also a big, big emotion. I know what you go through, I understand, but you are stronger than everything. You send a strong message to the entire world. You united the whole stadium here, you united the whole stadium behind you, behind Team Melli. You are sending such a strong message to the world.

“Let me say one more thing: this is just the beginning of the World Cup. You are writing history, the whole world is watching you. Continue to play with your heart, for your ­people, your families, for your fans and for everyone in the world that is ­falling in love with Team Melli. You are stronger than everything.”

Taremi criticised a logistical ­situation that has meant the team was forced to abandon their planned training base in Tucson, Arizona weeks before the tournament, instead training across the border in Tijuana, Mexico and flying in to the US shortly before games.

The team moved its training base to avoid immigration concerns that turned out to be well founded. After arriving in Mexico, 15 of the team’s support staff were denied visas to enter the US, where all of Iran’s group stage games are taking place. That number was later reduced to 11 after some visas were approved.

The team arrived in Los Angeles minus both their media officers, some analysts and the federation ­president, Mehdi Taj. Another analyst for the team served as a stand-in media aide for Taremi and Mohebi’s appearance, which a Fifa official repeatedly attempted to stop as both players ­continued answering questions.

Related: World Cup 2026: Iran begin disrupted campaign with draw against New Zealand – in pictures

“It’s not good for the football,” Taremi said. “In [the] World Cup, you have to prepare [well] for the next game, which is a lot of stress for the players and the staff and everyone. But we don’t have that support and Fifa have to help us more than this. Let’s see what’s going to happen in the future.”

Iran faced delays in their travel from Tijuana to Los Angeles, a short trip that Taremi said took five hours. He did not specify what caused the delays, but it was understood the immigration process was the main cause. Taremi and Mohebi said being forced to leave immediately afterward would negatively affect the players’ performance at the tournament.

“It’s supposed to be: tomorrow morning recovery, then we fly to Tijuana, then we return to LA again, but right now we have to go back,” Taremi said. Mohebi added: “Yesterday we came, started the trip in the morning, and we arrive [in the] afternoon. We directly go to train and we get tired. This kind of deal is not fair … we’re going to get fatigued – hamstring, lower back, glutes …”

In contrast, Ghalenoei praised the warmth of co-hosts Mexico and many Mexicans were in attendance supporting Iran at the Los Angeles Stadium. “The Mexican people, the Mexican government, especially the people in Tijuana, made us feel at home,” he said.


 

The Draw against New Zealand: Promise and Concerns.

Team Melli began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2–2 draw against New Zealand in Inglewood, Los Angeles, a result that offered both promise and concern for Iranian fans.

The match was notable for several reasons, not least the starting lineup chosen by head coach Amir Ghalenoei. He unveiled a formation rarely seen in public with Team Melli with 5 defenders. The lineup featured right-back Aria Yousefi and striker Shahriar Moghanloo, a late addition to the 33-man squad in Turkey, in the starting XI. Yousefi, deployed out of his natural position, struggled to make an impact. Moghanloo, however, exceeded expectations. Despite displaying some raw technical deficiencies, the forward’s physical presence, work rate, and willingness to press and challenge for duels made him a persistent nuisance for the New Zealand defense. While his inclusion has drawn criticism from some quarters, his performance suggested he could offer a unique attacking option, provided he continues to develop his link-up play and decision-making in the final third.

The undisputed star of the match was Ramin Rezaeian. Just months ago, his place in the World Cup squad seemed uncertain, but a return to form following his transfer to Foolad Khuzestan earned him a recall, and he repaid that faith emphatically. Rezaeian scored one goal and provided a pinpoint assist for Mohammad Mohebi, earning the Player of the Match award. In doing so, he also etched his name into Iranian football history as the first and only Iranian player to score in two separate World Cups.

However, the performance of Iran’s substitutes left much to be desired. Mehdi Ghaedi, Ali Alipour, Ehsan Hajsafi, and Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh failed to inject energy or alter the flow of the game after coming on. More than the players themselves, it was Ghalenoei’s inability to read the match dynamics and introduce timely changes that proved costly against a resolute and physically strong New Zealand side.

Defensively, Iran looked vulnerable, a concern that has been voiced for months, if not years. When New Zealand attacked from deep, the Iranian backline appeared disorganized, with poor covering and a lack of cohesive teamwork. Both goals conceded stemmed from these structural frailties. With Belgium and Egypt looming, this is a glaring issue that Ghalenoei’s staff must urgently address. Given the limited preparation time and squad options, however, a dramatic improvement before the next match against Belgium seems unlikely.

Captain Mehdi Taremi was industrious as ever, covering vast amounts of ground and showing commendable stamina. Yet his technical execution fell short of the high standards expected of a player of his caliber. His best moment came in the first half, when a delightful curling effort struck the post. On that occasion, a pass to either of two better-placed teammates may have been the wiser choice, a decision that could prove critical in tighter matches.

Mohammad Mohebi, despite scoring a brilliant goal and influencing the result, was not without fault. His loss of possession directly led to New Zealand’s second goal, a mistake that must be reviewed by the coaching staff. While his attacking contribution is invaluable, such lapses cannot be overlooked at this level.

Another talking point was the absence of an experienced, high-level assistant alongside Ghalenoei. While Saeed Elhovie, Andranik Teymurian, and Rahman Rezaei possess valuable football knowledge, their experience at World Cup level is limited. In major tournaments, having seasoned support on the bench can be crucial, and this void may have been felt during key moments of the match.

The midfield unit, led by Saman Ghoddos and Saeed Ezzatollahi, struggled under New Zealand’s pressing game. Both made uncharacteristic errors, and the duo lacked influence in building attacks or shielding the defense. Ghalenoei may need to consider alternatives—such as introducing Ghorbani or Amir Mohammad Razzaghinia as a more defensive-minded presence—but the reality is that the squad lacks depth and quality in the middle of the park.

Haste was another recurring issue. Iranian players often rushed their decisions instead of controlling the tempo, leading to wasted possession and disjointed transitions. Ghalenoei must work on instilling greater composure and game management ahead of the remaining group matches.

In goal, Alireza Beiranvand delivered a generally solid performance, making several key saves. However, both New Zealand goals, particularly the second, were stoppable, and the keeper no longer resembles the commanding figure who dazzled the world in previous tournaments. Behind a fragile defense, Iran needs a goalkeeper who can provide security and leadership; Beiranvand remains the best option, but his form raises questions.

Ultimately, the draw against New Zealand was a mixed bag, a result with encouraging signs but also glaring warnings. Team Melli must build on its strengths while addressing defensive instability, midfield coherence, and tactical discipline. Much rests on Ghalenoei’s shoulders, and his tendency toward unconventional tactics and selection choices will continue to invite scrutiny. The road ahead is steep, but with focused preparation, Iran can still make its mark on this World Cup.

Team Melli changes the American-based camp to Mexico.

The Iranian national team will move its World Cup base camp to Mexico, according to a statement from Iran’s soccer federation president, Medhi Taj. The shift in location comes amid the ongoing war with the U.S. and related security concerns.

Iran was slated to train at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Ariz., a location they decided on in mid-February before the regional conflict began; however, the country will now train out of Tijuana, a Mexican border city that is less than an hour flight to Los Angeles, where Iran will play its first Group G matches against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21.

Tijuana is of similar distance to Seattle as Tucson would have been, with Seattle Stadium the final site of group play for Iran, facing off against Egypt on June 26.

“All team base camps for the countries participating in the World Cup must be approved by FIFA," Taj said.

“Fortunately, following the requests we submitted and the meetings we held with FIFA and World Cup officials in Istanbul, as well as the webinar meeting we had on Friday in Tehran with the respected FIFA secretary general [Mattias Grafström], our request to change the team’s base from the United States to Mexico was approved,” he added, although FIFA has yet to confirm the move publicly.

“We will be based in the Tijuana camp, which is near the Pacific Ocean and on the border between Mexico and the United States, but within Mexican territory. The contract will be finalized, and there are no issues, as it has already been approved by FIFA.”

The question and capacity of Iran’s participation in the World Cup has loomed since late February, when World Cup co-host U.S. first launched its aggression, killing over 100 students in a girls' school in Minab.

Directly after the initial airstrikes, Iran put their World Cup participation in question. “What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Taj told the Iranian sports outlet Varzesh3.

Iran was then the only country not present the following week for FIFA’s three-day event in Atlanta to review the logistics of the tournament, an absence which saw U.S. President Donald Trump fuel the fire, stating: “I really don’t care [if Iran participates]. I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes.”

While Iran backtracked on some statements regarding the World Cup boycot and with much convincing by FIFA and Gianni Infantino in person, it was finally confirmed that Iran will compete at the 2026 edition. Nevertheless, Iran did try to move its World Cup matches to Mexico following what many interpreted as a veiled threat from Donald Trump to the Iranian delegation. In a pointed remark, the U.S. president declared that while Iran "is welcome to the World Cup, [he] doesn’t really believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety", a statement in which he made clear that the U.S. government cannot guarantee the safety of Iran's squad on American soil.

Iran’s request to move its games to Mexico was a logistical undertaking that FIFA President Gianni Infantino outright denied; however, it seems the country and global organization reached some sort of compromise by having the Mexican training base, enabling Iran to fly to and from the U.S. only for matches.

Amir Ghalenoei

Iran’s Parliament Pushes for World Cup Participation, but Final Decision Hinges on U.S. Security Assurances

Tehran – Amid widespread popular enthusiasm and a clear political will to compete on the global stage, Iran’s Parliamentary Cultural Commission has confirmed that a specialized committee is actively reviewing the conditions for Team Melli’s potential participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States. However, officials stress that no final decision has been reached, and any move forward is contingent on binding security guarantees from hostile U.S. authorities.

Strong Domestic Desire to Compete

Speaking to reporters, Ahmad Rastineh, spokesman for the Islamic Consultative Assembly’s Cultural Commission, underscored that both the Iranian public and political establishment are keenly determined to see Iran’s national team at the World Cup. Following a recent meeting with Ahmad Donyamali, Minister of Sports and Youth, and his deputies, Rastineh noted that participation in the 2026 World Cup is viewed as a matter of national pride and sporting excellence.

“The meeting extensively discussed the need for better planning to prepare national teams for Asian and world competitions, as well as securing future Olympic quotas,” Rastineh said. “Given the immense importance of the World Cup, detailed discussions were held with the minister and commission members. The popular demand and political inclination to participate are very strong, and we are exploring every avenue to make this happen.”

No Final Decision: Awaiting U.S. Assurances

Despite the widespread desire to attend the tournament, Rastineh made it clear that a final decision has not yet been made. The primary obstacle remains the absence of reliable security guarantees from U.S. authorities, whom Iranian officials characterize as a hostile government.

“In light of the multifaceted nature of these competitions and the conditions that occurred during past tensions—specifically the hostile atmosphere created by U.S. authorities—the need to form a specialized working group was emphasized,” Rastineh explained. “It was decided that a final decision will be made soon, but only after receiving concrete assurances from American officials regarding the safety and dignity of Iran’s national team delegation, including players, coaches, and accompanying personnel.”

He added that until such guarantees are provided and thoroughly vetted, the Islamic Republic will not commit to sending Team Melli to the United States, regardless of the strong popular and political inclination to participate.

Looking Ahead

The specialized committee will continue its review, weighing the passionate demands of Iranian football fans against the necessity of securing firm commitments from U.S. authorities. For now, Iran’s World Cup hopes remain alive, but officially on hold.

Meanwhile, Team Melli held its first training session under Amir Ghalenoei in preparation for the World Cup. 30 domestic league players are involved in the training camp. Iran matches are to be held in Los Angeles and Seattle.

Cheering Under Caution: The Physical Peril and Emotional Toll on Team Melli Fans in America

In its official press release, FIFA confirmed that fans from all 211 of its member nations submitted ticket requests during the Random Selection Draw phase between December 11 and January 13.

The organization said it received an average of 15 million requests per day – a figure it described as a new record for global football demand.

The 2026 tournament will feature 104 matches across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

However, FIFA noted that a valid match ticket does not automatically grant entry into any of the three host nations.

Each fan must still meet national immigration criteria and obtain the appropriate visa before travelling to attend games.

Donald Trump’s visa rules add new uncertainty for travelling fans

The reminder follows recent US visa changes introduced under Donald Trump, which have created additional requirements for several countries, including Iran, and some with national teams qualified for the World Cup.

While players and officials are unaffected, fans from certain regions may face longer processing times or extra screening.

While FIFA emphasizes collaboration with local authorities to assist international fans with travel, this assurance rings hollow against the backdrop of the United States' complex and often stringent immigration enforcement regime. FIFA’s influence over federal law enforcement policy is negligible to nil. Consequently, fans planning to attend matches in the U.S. must prepare for more than just logistical hurdles; they must navigate a security environment where the lines between crowd control and aggressive immigration enforcement may dangerously blur.

The primary challenges are multi-layered:

1. The Visa and Entry Hurdle: Despite valid tourist visas, the sheer volume of applicants from 48 qualifying nations, combined with ever-shifting U.S. travel policies and heightened security screenings, will inevitably lead to delays, complications, and denied entries for some legitimate fans. The process will be stressful and unpredictable.

2. The Unprecedented On-the-Ground Risk: ICE and Policing at Mass Events: This constitutes the most severe and unique danger. Assuming fans secure both tickets and visas, they will have no special protection from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other law enforcement agencies. Historically, these forces have operated with broad discretion, and their actions have frequently been criticized for racial profiling and excessive force.

  • A Pattern of Targeting: Documented incidents show a disturbing focus on individuals perceived as foreign, particularly those of Hispanic, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African descent. The pervasive fear is that in the frenetic, crowded environments surrounding World Cup venues, individuals speaking foreign languages or fitting certain racial profiles will be disproportionately subjected to stops, questioning, and detention.
  • Arbitrary Violence and Lethal Force: As highlighted by the tragic shooting of a mother of three by ICE agents, an American citizen, the potential for escalation to lethal force, while statistically low, exists and is a terrifying prospect. For visiting fans, unfamiliar with their rights in U.S. jurisdictions, a tense interaction could escalate rapidly.
  • A Heightened, Active Presence: It is a near certainty that ICE and Homeland Security units will be significantly bolstered around stadiums, fan zones, and transportation hubs under the banner of "event security." Their mandate, however, will dualistically cover both public safety and immigration enforcement, creating a climate of anxiety for international attendees.

3. A Stark Tri-Nation Contrast: This paints a starkly different picture for the 2026 tournament’s three hosts. Canada and Mexico, while certainly implementing strong security, are generally perceived as having policing models more oriented toward facilitation and welcoming international guests at mass events. The U.S. approach, colored by its domestic politics and immigration debates, is projected to be more confrontational and enforcement-heavy.

Team Melli's Diaspora: A Home Support in Exile, Shadowed by Risk
For Iran's national team, Team Melli, the 2026 World Cup group stage in the United States presents a poignant and paradoxical scenario. Given the severely strained diplomatic relations and stringent U.S. visa policies, it is safe to assume that virtually no Iranian passport holder residing in Iran will successfully secure entry to attend matches in Los Angeles or Seattle. Consequently, Team Melli's visible support in the stadiums will be almost entirely composed of the Iranian diaspora.

This diaspora, however, represents a formidable and passionate force. The bulk of the support will emanate from the vast and established Iranian communities in California and Washington state—cities like Los Angeles itself and Vancouver, BC, are home to some of the largest populations of the Iranian diaspora outside of Iran. Thousands of expatriates and second-generation Iranian-Americans and Iranian-Canadians will turn the stands into a sea of green, red, and white, creating a powerful "home-away-from-home" atmosphere. To a lesser extent, fans residing in Europe and other parts of the Middle East will also contribute to the numbers, forming a global patchwork of support united in national pride.

Yet, this unifying celebration will unfold under a cloud of palpable anxiety. The very identity that brings these fans together, their Iranian heritage, could make them specific targets in the heightened security environment. The political situation between the U.S. and Iran ensures that Iranian diaspora fans, regardless of their citizenship status, will be under increased scrutiny.

The Peril of Profiling and Intimidation

Even foreign-born fans holding U.S., Canadian, or European passports are not immune to risk. In the tense, crowded zones around stadiums, where ICE and federal agencies operate with broad mandates, the potential for profiling is acute. Fans speaking Farsi, wearing Team Melli regalia, or simply possessing features associated with the Middle East may face disproportionate stops, aggressive questioning, searches, and intimidation. The documented tactics of these forces, which critics describe as heavy-handed and uncivilized, could transform a day of festivity into an ordeal of confrontation.

The prediction, therefore, is bittersweet: While tens of thousands of Team Melli fans will passionately enjoy the historic opportunity to support their team on the world's biggest stage in their adopted homes, their experience will be uniquely marred by an undercurrent of political tension and personal vulnerability. Their cheers will be a testament to enduring cultural pride, but their presence will be a navigation of a landscape where national heritage inadvertently becomes a security liability. The matches in the U.S. will be less a simple sporting getaway and more a complex act of visible, defiant celebration within a charged geopolitical context.

Conclusion: An Unprecedented Safety Calculus
Never in the history of the FIFA World Cup has the spectator safety calculus been so complex. The traditional concerns of pickpocketing or crowd crushes are now compounded by a genuine, if difficult-to-quantify, risk of adversarial encounters with federal enforcement agencies. Fans must be vigilant, thoroughly informed of their rights, and prepared for an atmosphere where the celebration of football intersects with the tense realities of American border politics. For many, the promise of the beautiful game will be shadowed by an unavoidable apprehension, making the U.S. host cities the most challenging and potentially perilous destinations of the 2026 tournament.