World Cup 2026: Iran to file formal complaint with FIFA over travel restrictions

Iran plans to lodge a formal complaint with FIFA over the travel restrictions it faces at the 2026 World Cup. Iran faces difficulties in the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico due to visa requirements that allow it to enter the United States only the day before the game, and requires it to leave the country again on the day of the game. Accordingly, Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei described his team as the "most oppressed" team after being held to a 2-2 draw in the opening match against New Zealand. The Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI) said in a statement that the travel restrictions they face are "inconsistent with the principle of providing equal conditions to all participating teams and may have a negative impact on the team's preparation process." “The federation will therefore formally express its dissatisfaction and lodge a formal complaint with FIFA through the appropriate channels,” FFIRI added. Iran's participation in the World Cup is subject to uncertainty due to war in the Middle East and related security issues. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also visited the Iranian team's dressing room after the match against New Zealand. Several key Iranian staff members were denied visas to enter the United States, and FFIRI called on FIFA to "ensure neutrality, fairness and compliance with established regulations." Iran moved its training base from Arizona, USA to Tijuana, Mexico for the World Cup, and the remaining two group matches are all scheduled to be held in the US. Iran plays Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 27. Iran insisted on staying in each host city for two days before each match to prepare for each match, but this request was not granted for the match against New Zealand. “The same situation was repeated ahead of the second match against Belgium,” FFIRI said. For the match to be held in Los Angeles at 12pm local time, Iran's Football Federation reportedly requested that the team be allowed to travel to Los Angeles two days before the match, but was once again denied. The U.S. and Iranian presidents signed an initial peace deal to end the war, but White House FIFA task force director Andrew Giuliani said Iran knew what it was facing. "Teams can enter the country the day before the game and must leave the country the evening of the game," he told CBS News. --- ## Related Articles 1. [Mundial 2026](https://verrikalam.com/ta/news/2026-146) 2. [Mundial 2026](https://golmaru.com/news/2026-18-2)