Iran's national team coach Amir Ghalenoei praised his team for the two draws achieved, which he said were under difficult conditions. He previously stated that Iran is the "most oppressed team" at the World Cup.
Representatives of the Iranian national team complained that they were only allowed to arrive in Los Angeles for matches a day before the kickoff and were instructed to leave the city almost immediately after the game ended.
"For Iran's third match, which will take place in Seattle on June 26, the team will be allowed to enter the U.S. two days before the game," a ministry representative stated.
"The Iranian national team will still have to leave the country on the day of the match. Overall security measures and protocols remain unchanged. We remain committed to ensuring the safest tournament possible for players, staff, and fans."
A representative of the Iranian team confirmed to AFP that the team will leave its base in the Mexican city of Tijuana today, ahead of Friday's match against Egypt.
In their first match on June 15, "Team Melli" (the nickname for the Iranian national team) drew 2-2 with New Zealand, and on Sunday they achieved a goalless draw against the Belgian team, which was down to ten players.
As is known, Team Melli's preparation for the tournament, jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, has been overshadowed by a number of non-football-related issues.
The war initiated by the U.S. and Israel against Iran in February cast doubt on the team's participation in the tournament until the very last moment.
Initially, the team planned to base itself in Arizona, but at the last moment opted for Tijuana, as the United States denied visas to a dozen support staff members.
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