Iran World Cup team forced to leave US after tournament opener in apparent change of plans

After the World Cup opener, Iran's men's soccer team was ordered to leave the United States immediately rather than stay in Los Angeles for recovery. Coach Amir Ghalenoei called the move 'very strange' and said the team must fly back to their camp in Tijuana just hours after a 2-2 draw with New Zealand. The players endured a five-hour journey with security checks, uncertain why the departure was required. Iran’s remaining matches are against Belgium in Inglewood and Egypt in Seattle. Protests outside the stadium reflected political tensions, while symbols of Iran’s pre-1979 flag appeared in the crowd.