Iran plans to file a complaint with world football governing body FIFA over the travel restrictions faced by its team in the US during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Due to visa uncertainty and the conflict with the US, the Iranian team is shuttling from its tournament base in co-host Mexico for its three group matches in the US.
US authorities require players to enter within 24 hours of a match and leave the same day, with team coach Amir Ghalenoei saying Iran was the «most oppressed» team in the tournament.
“The Football Federation of Iran believes that these restrictions violate the principles of providing equal conditions to participating teams and could affect their technical preparation,” the federation said in a statement on Friday announcing its protest to FIFA.
Neither FIFA nor the U.S. Department of Homeland Security immediately responded Reuters requests for comments. Ghalenoei said the disruption had disadvantaged Iran in Monday’s 2-2 draw against New Zealand.
“According to the coaching staff’s plan, the national team was to travel to the host city two days before each match to achieve optimal technical and physical condition, and then return to their base the day after the match,” the federation said.
“However, this request was not approved for the opening match against New Zealand.”
Iran will play Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles and close their Group G matches against Egypt on June 27 in Seattle.
Published on June 19, 2026
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