Iran ‘most oppressed team at World Cup’, says coach Ghalenoei

Published June 16, 2026 Updated June 16, 2026 02:18pm

Coach Amir Ghalenoei says Iran are the “most oppressed team in the World Cup” after his players were suddenly informed they must travel back to Mexico immediately after their opening game ended in Los Angeles, Al Jazeera reports.

The team were originally intending to base its training camp in Tucson, Arizona, but moved it at the 11th hour to Tijuana, Mexico, due to visa and logistical issues.

“They delayed our arrivals, [and now] they are forcing us to go back early without time for recovery,” Ghalenoei said after the team’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand.

Opinion

Editorial

A new deal
Updated 16 Jun, 2026

A new deal

AFTER three and a half months of war between US-Israel and Iran and an acrimonious temporary ceasefire, a genuine...
Charter of economy
16 Jun, 2026

Charter of economy

NO one expected the PTI to accept the government’s invitation to sign a charter of economy; just as few expected...
Hostage seamen
16 Jun, 2026

Hostage seamen

SOME 50 days on, 11 Pakistani nationals are still in Somali pirates’ captivity. Their appeals to the Pakistani and...
Climate choices
Updated 15 Jun, 2026

Climate choices

The country is confronting increasingly volatile weather patterns with consequences for agriculture, infrastructure, public health and economic planning.
Brief opening
15 Jun, 2026

Brief opening

WE have been here before. Throughout the weekend, there was great anticipation that a tentative framework for peace...
Environmental disaster
15 Jun, 2026

Environmental disaster

IT was a heartbreaking sight. A recent news report in these pages carried a picture of a sea turtle lying half ...