The Iran football team arrived in the United States for their first FIFA World Cup 2026 match against New Zealand on June 16 (IST). The team landed in Los Angeles shortly before a peace agreement was reached between the United States and Iran. This was the first time Iran touched the US shores during the World Cup. The team has set up a base in Tijuana, Mexico, following a US mandate that permits Iran to stay in the United States for a limited time.
Security measures were heightened near the hotel where the team will be staying. Meanwhile, the team faced protests by anti-regime protesters who carried banners criticizing Iran government. Several carried photographs of people whom they claimed were killed in the country due to ongoing unrest.
📸 FOOTAGE: The Iranian national team arrives at their hotel in Los Angeles, where they are met by a small group of Iranian Americans who do not support the team.(@JoeBruin_Galaxy) pic.twitter.com/Q2IhxJsnjH
— Persian Culer 🇮🇷 (@Persian_Culer) June 14, 2026
A Chaotic Build-Up
Iran has faced several setbacks in the build-up to the event. Due to the US Strict immigration policy, several members of the World Cup bound contingency were denied entry into the US after alleged links with Iran’s IRCG. This was after the team’s visa was delayed. They were initially set to set up a base in Arizona but later shifted to Tijuana to avoid complications, but traveling a day before the match would be a slight disadvantage to the team.
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Despite the chaotic approach to the tournament, Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said that his team is only committed to doing well against New Zealand.
“We are here to perform a good match, a high-quality match. We don’t pay attention to any of the hype and anything that goes on around us,” Ghalenoei said in a press conference.
“Naturally, all teams have their own problems, and in many countries, many things happen that have nothing to do with football,” he added.
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Iran are placed in Group G alongside Egypt, Belgium and New Zealand. The side will open their campaign against New Zealand on Tuesday morning, with the game beginning at 6:30 AM IST.
