Iran to arrive day before World Cup opener against New Zealand

Iran will travel to Los Angeles the day before their World Cup opener against New Zealand on 15 June, putting to rest a rumour that Team Melli planned a same-day round trip for the Group B fixture. The speculation had raised eyebrows given the logistical strain such an approach would place on Carlos Queiroz's squad, but confirmation of a conventional 24-hour arrival window restores a measure of predictability ahead of the All Whites' tournament bow.