Iran team forced to leave United States immediately after New Zealand game as manager hits out at FIFA

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."

Amir Ghalehnoy picture during Iran's opener against New Zealand. Image credit: Getty

Ghalenoei would go on to claim that Iran are “the most oppressed” team at the tournament.

“We don’t know why they’re returning us, to be honest. I think it’s very strange," he said.

"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."

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

Gianni Infantino makes speech in Iran dressing room after New Zealand game

FIFA president Infantino spoke to Iran's squad in the SoFi Stadium dressing room after Monday's full-time whistle.

“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. Like tonight 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.”