Iran players stopped at Los Angeles airport while Torabi faces visa issue after World Cup opener

Members of Iran's football team were stopped at Los Angeles International Airport following their 2026 World Cup opener against New Zealand, with striker Mehdi Taremi and assistant coach Saeed Elahuei reportedly questioned by immigration authorities.

The Iranian squad was traveling back to its base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, following Tuesday’s 2-2 draw against New Zealand in Los Angeles when the latest complications emerged.

Iranian media reports said Taremi and Elahuei encountered “unjustified delays” at the airport’s exit gate, slowing the team’s departure and disrupting travel plans shortly after the match.

The incident mirrored difficulties the pair had already faced upon entering the United States before the game, when Iranian delegation members reportedly underwent additional scrutiny and delays.

Meanwhile, according to reports, midfielder Mehdi Torabi's US visa has expired after a single entry, meaning he will be unable to join the team for its next two fixtures.

The latest setback added to growing criticism surrounding Washington’s handling of Iran’s participation in the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

While Iranian players eventually received travel documents, several key support staff and football federation officials were denied visas by US authorities ahead of the tournament.

The restrictions forced Iran to relocate its base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana in neighboring Mexico, partly to reduce the team’s time on American soil.

The visa problems have also disrupted the team’s preparations.

Iranian reports said Torabi’s visa had been issued for only one entry, unlike the multiple-entry visas granted to other players. After traveling to Los Angeles for the New Zealand match, his visa expired, leaving the Iranian Football Federation scrambling to obtain a new one so the midfielder can continue accompanying the team.

Following the draw against New Zealand, Taremi openly criticized the situation, saying the constant uncertainty was affecting the squad both mentally and physically.

“We still have many problems,” the Olympiacos F.C. striker told reporters after the match.

“Legally, we should recover tomorrow morning and then return to Tijuana, but we are forced to leave Los Angeles right now. I don’t think this is good for us. It’s not good for football either.”

Taremi said the team had been dealing with difficulties for months and described the conditions surrounding Iran’s participation as “truly disastrous.”

“There is a lot of stress for the players, coaching staff and everyone else, but we do not have the support we need,” he said.

“I think FIFA should help us more. They told us they would help, and we will see what happens in the future.”

The Iranian captain also pointed to staffing shortages caused by the visa restrictions.

“Our media officer did not get a visa and is not with us,” he said. “Our analyst is forced to handle media duties.”

Taremi added that the team simply wanted “peace,” echoing FIFA’s repeated calls for football to remain separated from politics.

“If they help us, we will appreciate it. If not, we will stay together and try to win the next match,” he said.

Iran opened their Group G campaign with a spirited performance against New Zealand before more than 70,000 spectators at Los Angeles Stadium.

New Zealand struck first through Elijah Just in the seventh minute, but Ramin Rezaeian equalized in the 32nd minute. Just restored the lead for the All Whites after the break before Mohammad Mohebbi made it 2-2 in the 64th minute from a Rezaeian assist.

Iran also had a goal ruled out for offside during the tense encounter.

Rezaeian was later named FIFA’s Man of the Match after scoring once and providing the assist for Iran’s second goal.

In the other Group G match, Egypt and Belgium drew 1-1, leaving all four teams level on one point after the opening round.

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