Iran’s national football team has arrived in the United States for its opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match against New Zealand in Los Angeles, a fixture taking place against the backdrop of a newly announced U.S.-Iran peace agreement.

The Iran football team reached Los Angeles after travelling from its temporary base in Tijuana, Mexico. The team is scheduled to begin its Group G campaign against New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium, with the match drawing attention because of both sporting and diplomatic circumstances.

Iran had earlier moved its World Cup base camp from Arizona to Tijuana after security and diplomatic concerns linked to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. FIFA had confirmed the base-camp switch in May, according to international reports.

After arriving at Los Angeles International Airport, the Iranian squad attended a press conference the same day. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei said the team was proud to represent Iran and expressed hope that football could help bring nations and cultures closer together.

The team’s arrival came shortly after reports of a peace agreement aimed at ending the conflict between the United States and Iran. The timing has added a wider political dimension to Iran’s first World Cup match on U.S. soil during the tournament.

Iran will now travel from Mexico to the United States for its group-stage matches. The arrangement follows the relocation of the team’s base camp, which has created additional logistical challenges for players and staff.

Before the team’s departure from Tijuana, supporters gathered to welcome and encourage the squad. Iranian fans chanted in support of the players as they prepared to travel to Los Angeles.

Iran are placed in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt. Their opening match against New Zealand is being played in the Los Angeles area, one of the host regions for the 2026 World Cup.

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