U.S. Security Measures Prompt Iran’s World Cup Team to Immediate Return to Tijuana

Iran’s national football team was ordered by U.S. officials to return to their training base in Tijuana, Mexico immediately after completing a 2-2 draw with New Zealand at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles on Monday, according to reports from coach Amir Ghalenoei. The match marked Iran’s opening contest in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghalenoei stated his team had expected to remain overnight in California for recovery but were instructed to depart without delay: “After the game today, they said to us, ‘You have to leave immediately.’”

Chad Wolf, former acting U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, confirmed Tuesday that the arrangement aligned with what U.S. officials had previously indicated was the original plan. “According to the U.S., this was always the plan,” Wolf stated. He attributed the decision to security concerns, noting incidents involving Iranian delegation members denied entry into the United States. “You’ve got to be on the alert that you don’t want to have individuals come into the U.S. that aren’t properly vetted,” Wolf added.

Wolf also warned about potential terrorist exploitation at major international events: “Yeah, absolutely. So, you’ve got to be on guard.” The move follows diplomatic and security complications between Washington and Tehran, with several Iranian officials reportedly denied U.S. visas ahead of the tournament.