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match, with Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei revealing his squad had been ordered to return to Mexico immediately after the game rather than remain in the United States for recovery.

“They delayed our arrivals, and now they are forcing us to go back early without time for recovery,” Ghalenoei said.

“They are making the situation more and more difficult, facing us with more hurdles, but we’re not going to let that stop us from doing our best.”

The coach went further, describing Iran as “the most oppressed team in the World Cup” and saying his staff had been forced to take on additional responsibilities because of the absence of key personnel who were unable to travel.

The tense atmosphere surrounding the team was also evident inside and outside Los Angeles Stadium. Hundreds of anti-government protesters gathered outside the venue, arguing the team did not represent the Iranian people, while some spectators inside displayed political symbols despite FIFA’s regulations prohibiting political messaging. The Iranian national anthem was met with a mixture of cheers and boos.

On the pitch, however, Iran showed resilience after twice falling behind against the tournament’s lowest-ranked team.

New Zealand took an early lead in the seventh minute when veteran striker Chris Wood held up a long pass before setting up Elijah Just, who finished a flowing move with a powerful volley.

Iran responded through Ramin Rezaeian in the 32nd minute after a goalmouth scramble before New Zealand restored their advantage in the 55th minute, with Just completing his brace following a neat exchange with Wood.

But Iran struck back again nine minutes later as Mohammad Mohebi rose highest to convert Rezaeian’s superb cross with a header that clipped the inside of the post.

The final half hour saw Iran dominate possession and create several opportunities, but poor finishing and determined New Zealand defending denied them a winning goal.

The draw leaves Iran’s hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time still hanging in the balance, although fellow Group G rivals Egypt and Belgium also played out a draw.

Iran striker Mehdi Taremi later described his team’s treatment at the tournament as a “disaster” and called on FIFA to provide greater assistance.

“We just want peace, which is the centre of FIFA -- peace, joy, and those things,” Taremi said.