The United States has clarified that Iran's national team was always expected to depart the country immediately after their World Cup matches, a stance that directly contradicts the team's public complaints about their treatment.
Coach Amir Ghalenoei voiced frustration, saying the squad was ordered to leave the United States shortly after their opening game against New Zealand, leaving little time for recovery and raising questions about visa logistics.
Visa Turmoil and Diplomatic Tensions
Winger Mehdi Torabi discovered that his entry visa expired after the first match, and the team is currently working to obtain a new permit to allow him to re-enter the United States.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, confirmed that all Iranian players and coaches initially received visas, but some support staff and officials were denied entry due to alleged connections with Iran's Revolutionary Guard.
The Iranian squad is required to arrive in the United States a day before their fixtures and to depart on the evening of match day, a schedule that has been further complicated by extensive travel and security checks from Tijuana to Los Angeles.
Captain Mehdi Taremi has criticized FIFA for what he perceives as insufficient support, adding that the ongoing geopolitical strain between the United States, Israel and Iran has cast a shadow over the team's World Cup campaign.
Despite the controversy, the team continues to prepare for upcoming matches, hoping to focus on football rather than the diplomatic rows that have surrounded their participation.