Iran coach says team ordered out of US right after 2-2 draw with New Zealand in World Cup opener
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Politics
June 16, 2026
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INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — The coach of Iran’s World Cup team said it was ordered to leave the United States and return to its training base in Mexico only a few hours after opening its politically charged tournament by playing to a 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday night.
Coach Amir Ghalenoei didn’t say who ordered the Iranians to leave earlier than planned.
The team had expected to spend the night in California to maximize the normal recovery process after its opening game, only to be told after the match that everyone must immediately get on a plane for the 140-mile trip back to Tijuana.
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