After their draw this Monday, June 15 against New Zealand (2-2) for their debut in the competition, the Iranians had to return to their camp in Mexico. In the geopolitical context of tension with the United States, the Iranian coach believes that his team is “the most mistreated” in the competition. A situation that could get even worse as we learned this Tuesday, June 16, that one of the players might not return to the United States following the expiration of his visa.
After months of uncertainty, Iran began its World Cup this Monday, June 15 in Los Angeles, with a draw (2-2) against New Zealand in a meeting marked by geopolitics and the battle of symbols. Coach Amir Ghalenoei believed that Iran was the “most mistreated” team at this World Cup, despite the visit of FIFA President Gianni Infantino to the locker room before the match. Already deprived of several members of his staff, Ghalenoei may have to let go of one of his players, whose visa has expired.
Also read:
RECAP. World Cup: Sabri Lamouchi replaced by Hervé Renard, the favorites held in check before the big debut of the French team… The recap of June 16
Star striker Mehdi Taremi spoke of “a logistical disaster” regarding the return trips between Tijuana (Mexico) and the United States, due to the refusal of the United States to welcome the team on its soil between matches in the context of war. In addition, this obligation to leave United States territory could cost the Iranian selection one of its players. The American visa of Iranian striker Mehdi Torabi expired after his entry into the United States, according to the official Iranian news agency Irna on Tuesday June 16.
Also read:
VIDEO. World Cup: lined up in front of their bus by police while dogs rummage through their belongings, Uruguay players still disturbed before their match
If all the other players received before the competition “visas allowing them to enter and exit the United States on several occasions, Torabi’s was only valid for a single entry”, reported Irna. “After the team’s trip to Los Angeles for the match against New Zealand and at the conclusion of this match, Torabi’s visa expired,” writes the Iranian agency.
Far from being the first difficulties
The Federation “has initiated steps to obtain a new visa, so that he can accompany the national team for its next matches”, she continues. The United States and tournament organizers did not immediately respond. This problem comes at a time when the Iranian delegation has already been faced with several problems related to visas.
Also read:
World Cup: why is the Cape Verde goalkeeper nicknamed “little grandmother”? The harsh story of the hero of the Blue Sharks who heartbroken Spain
Around fifteen members of the delegation were refused an American visa. Irna also indicated that captain Mehdi Taremi and a member of staff had encountered difficulties at Los Angeles airport when they left. Iran hopes that Mehdi Torabi will be able to play the match against Belgium, scheduled for Sunday in Los Angeles, his second match in Group G, before facing Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.
Also read:
2026 World Cup: in full competition, a new Frenchman named coach of the Tunisian team
The striker did not come into play in the first match against New Zealand, where Iran fell behind twice before snatching a draw. “Team Melli” was initially supposed to establish its base camp in Tucson, Arizona, but ultimately changed its plans due to the geopolitical context to settle in Mexico, in Tijuana. She must therefore each time enter the United States to play her three group matches, and then return to Mexico.
