The United States government has responded to complaints from Iran’s national soccer team regarding their departure following the team’s opening match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Iran officials had criticized the U.S. for requiring the team to leave the country shortly after their 2-2 draw with New Zealand, rather than allowing them a day to recover in a hotel.

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, stated on Tuesday that the arrangement was communicated clearly to Iran’s delegation in advance. “We were clear this was the process,” Giuliani said, emphasizing that the team’s swift exit was planned from the outset.

Iran’s head coach, Amir Ghalenoei, had noted immediately after Monday’s match that the team was instructed to return to their training base in Mexico within hours of the game’s conclusion. Ghalenoei said the team had anticipated an overnight stay in California to rest and recuperate before traveling.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions surrounding accommodations and scheduling for the Iranian team during this World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Officials on both sides have underscored logistical and security considerations influencing travel plans, though specific details on the coordination discussions have not been made public.

As the tournament progresses, Iran is scheduled to continue its campaign at the training facility in Mexico, adhering to the travel itinerary confirmed by the U.S. organizing authorities. The situation underscores the challenges of managing diverse teams’ expectations amid a complex international sporting event hosted across multiple countries.