Court in Los Angeles Permits Iranian Team to Stay Overnight in the USA

Previously, the team had been banned from staying overnight in the United States. The background appeared to be a refusal to prohibit political slogans or symbols in the stadium. The Iranian Minister of Sports, Ahmed Donjamali, had announced: "We have already informed FIFA that the team officials would abandon the match as soon as we hear political slogans in the stadiums." The "Institute for Voice of Liberty" had, according to the information available, filed a lawsuit against the ban on the historic Iranian flag featuring the lion and sun.

Travel Route and Words from the Team

The team, led by coach Amir Ghalenoei, had already flown to Inglewood the day before, where Iran's first World Cup match against New Zealand was scheduled to take place on Tuesday at 3 a.m. CEST. "Of course, this affects us," Ghalenoei said. "It was not our fault. We left Tijuana at 10 a.m. and flew out at 3 p.m.," reported striker Mehdi Taremi.

Taremi explicitly thanked the host country Mexico. "I would like to thank the good people of Mexico. But we Iranians are used to turning difficulties into opportunities, and we think of nothing other than bringing joy to people." The Iranian team had initially taken up quarters in Tijuana before traveling on to the USA.

The 2026 World Cup is being held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. A total of twelve groups of four teams each are competing. The Iranian team has been drawn into a preliminary round group in which New Zealand awaits as its first opponent.

Political Background

At the time of arrival, it had still been uncertain whether the team would be allowed to stay overnight in the United States or whether it would have to arrive and depart immediately for each match. The court ruling provided clarity on this matter just a few hours before kickoff.

FIFA had not publicly commented on the security concerns and political tensions surrounding Iran's participation in the tournament. Nor was anything initially known about possible consequences for the upcoming group stage matches.

Outlook on the Tournament

In addition to the sporting aspect, the issue is also attracting attention on social media. Supporters of the Iranian team celebrated the court decision as a symbolic victory for freedom of expression, while critics pointed to the strained relationship between the USA and Iran.

After arriving in Inglewood, the Iranian team prepared for the match. Coach Ghalenoei stressed that the team wanted to focus on the sporting side. "We think of nothing other than bringing joy to people," he repeated in conversation with journalists.

The match against New Zealand on Tuesday morning (CEST) is the first of three group stage games for Iran at this World Cup. The further venues and exact kickoff times will be determined by FIFA.