Iran has filed an official complaint with FIFA over travel restrictions imposed during the 2026 World Cup, arguing that the measures have disrupted the team’s preparations and created unequal conditions for competition.
The Football Federation of Iran said the team has repeatedly faced limits on when it can enter the United States for matches and how long it can remain in the country afterward.
Iran’s delegation has instead been operating largely from a base in Tijuana, Mexico, and travelling into the United States around matchdays.
According to the federation, the team requested permission to arrive in Los Angeles two days before its Group G match against Belgium to allow players to adjust, complete training and finalise preparations.
The request was rejected.
In a statement, the federation said, “Iran’s national football team has once again encountered restrictions imposed by the organisers.”
It added that the measures were “inconsistent with the principle of providing equal conditions for all participating teams and may negatively affect teams’ preparation processes.”
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei criticised the situation after his team’s opening 2-2 draw with New Zealand.
“We are probably the most oppressed team in this tournament,” Ghalenoei said.
“I do not know why we are being sent back.”
U.S. officials defended the arrangements, saying they had been communicated in advance and reflected broader security considerations surrounding the tournament.
Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House World Cup task force, suggested discussions remain open and said adjustments could still be considered.
FIFA had not publicly responded to the complaint as of Friday, but the dispute has added a political dimension to Iran’s campaign ahead of decisive group matches against Belgium and Egypt.
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