Los Angeles, June 17 -- United States officials have confirmed that Iran's national football team will be required to leave the country within hours of the final whistle of their FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle, drawing criticism over the handling of the team's travel and visa arrangements.

The clarification came on Tuesday after concerns were raised regarding the treatment of the Iranian delegation following its opening Group G fixture against New Zealand in Los Angeles.

"We were clear this was the process," Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House FIFA Task Force, told the Associated Press.

Iran, known as Team Melli, played New Zealand in a politically sensitive encounter on Monday ami...