Iran’s national football team arrives in the United States for its World Cup opener against New Zealand in Los Angeles. The squad lands at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday after traveling from Tijuana, Mexico, where the team had relocated before departing its base camp. Reuters reports the aircraft touched down at around 4:11 p.m. ET, about 15 minutes from the stadium set to host the Group G match on Monday.
Multiple outlets describe a departure from Tijuana that draws a large send-off from supporters and Iranian fans, including chants of “Team Melli,” and distribution of flags. The Times of India links the timing of the arrival to a reported US-Iran peace agreement announced ahead of a signing ceremony in Switzerland, and notes that the game takes place against the backdrop of an ongoing war context between the two countries.
The team’s move to Tijuana is attributed to uncertainty over US entry arrangements and visas, following US-Israel strikes on Iran earlier in the year and subsequent efforts to resolve travel documents. Iran’s match against New Zealand is the group’s opening fixture for Iran, with additional Group G games scheduled later against Belgium and Egypt.
