Iran’s football federation announced plans to lodge an official complaint with FIFA after claiming that restrictive travel rules during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States disrupted the national team’s preparations.
Officials said the team faced repeated denials when requesting permission to arrive in Los Angeles two days before their June 21 clash against Belgium. The federation argued that the restrictions prevented players from adapting to local conditions and finalising training schedules.
Iran’s delegation has been required to leave the United States immediately after the matches and return to its base in Tijuana, Mexico. The arrangement drew criticism after the team’s opening 2-2 draw against New Zealand, when players were forced to depart within hours of the final whistle.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed frustration, saying recovery sessions were compromised. “They are forcing us to go back early. We are troubled by that, but we will not let it stop us from doing our best,” he said.
The Iranian federation insisted that the rules placed the team at a competitive disadvantage compared to other nations. Officials confirmed that similar restrictions will apply for Iran’s final group-stage match against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
The federation said the complaint to FIFA will highlight how visa and entry conditions imposed by U.S. authorities have hampered recovery, disrupted training, and complicated logistics throughout the tournament.
