Iran players criticize travel arrangements ahead of the World Cup after matches against New Zealand, citing restrictive requirements linked to their movement through the United States. Following Monday’s 2–2 draw with New Zealand in the Los Angeles area, Iran’s squad says it was forced to enter and leave the U.S. quickly, affecting preparations and disrupting normal routines. Multiple outlets report that players and team members describe the situation as chaotic, with one complaint characterizing the disruptions as a disaster. The criticism centers on scheduling and logistical constraints imposed during the tournament period.
One outlet adds context that the travel pattern occurs amid broader geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States, framing the restrictions as part of an extended climate between the two countries. Together, the reports describe a short-notice, tightly controlled travel timeline that Iran says makes it harder to focus on training and match readiness. The outlets do not report any confirmed change to official tournament or immigration policies, but they present Iran’s response as a public protest of the conditions surrounding their World Cup movement.
