Iran were forced to leave Los Angeles and return to their base in Mexico immediately after their World Cup opener against New Zealand, a decision head coach Amir Ghalenoei has publicly criticised.It has been a turbulent build-up to this summer’s World Cup for Iran. In fact, there were doubts as to whether the country would even participate in the 48-team tournament amid the Middle East conflict.The team has faced visa problems and had to relocate their base camp after the US refused to host them, while FIFA cited logistical issues in turning down Iran’s request to move their three group stage matches to Mexico.On Monday, they got their Group H underway with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles.It is said the Iranian team initially planned to stay in California after the game for recovery purposes and return to its base camp in Tijuana, Mexico on Tuesday, but that idea was scrapped after the final whistle.

Iran manager Amir Ghalenoei said his team was told it needed to leave Los Angeles immediately after the game with New Zealand.“After the game today they said to us, ‘You have to leave immediately,’” Ghalenoi said. “Whereas today 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.”