Iran to lodge complaint with FIFA over World Cup restrictions

Iran’s national football team has announced its intention to file a formal complaint with FIFA regarding alleged travel restrictions imposed during the 2026 World Cup held in North America. According to the Iranian Football Federation, these restrictions have disrupted the team’s logistical planning and affected the ability of coaches and support staff to implement their strategies effectively. The issue came to light when the team sought to relocate from their base in Tijuana, Mexico, to Los Angeles, California, two days ahead of their scheduled match against Belgium on Sunday. However, this request was reportedly denied by tournament organizers.

The Iranian delegation emphasized that they had submitted their preparation schedule to the relevant authorities well in advance of the tournament. They argued that the decision to deny their request was made despite clear communication about their needs. The team aimed to arrive in Los Angeles earlier than the mandated date—specifically, two days before the match—to ensure adequate acclimatization, conduct a final training session, and complete all necessary preparations. The timing of the match, set for 12:00 PM local time in Los Angeles, further justified the need for early arrival, according to the federation’s statement.

The Iranian Football Federation’s spokesperson expressed frustration over the repeated denial of such requests. “Despite the technical reasons presented by the federation, the request was once again denied,” he stated. The federation has now decided to escalate the matter by formally lodging a complaint with FIFA through the appropriate channels. This move underscores the growing tension between the Iranian delegation and the tournament organizers, who have maintained strict protocols for teams entering the United States.

According to U.S. officials, the Iranian team was informed in advance that they would be permitted entry into the country only on the day before their matches. Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, confirmed that the team would be allowed to enter the U.S. "match day minus one," meaning the day before each game. Furthermore, he noted that the team would be required to depart the country immediately following the conclusion of each match. This policy applies equally to Iran’s upcoming group stage game against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

The Iranian team’s difficulties extend beyond just travel logistics. Their pre-tournament preparations have been complicated by ongoing tensions in the Middle East. As a result, the team relocated its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, shortly before the tournament commenced. Additionally, several team officials have reportedly faced visa issues, with some being denied entry into the United States altogether. These challenges have compounded the already difficult situation for the Iranian delegation.

The controversy highlights broader concerns about how international sporting events are managed in politically sensitive regions. While the U.S. government maintains that its policies apply uniformly to all participating nations, the Iranian delegation feels that these rules are being applied inconsistently or unfairly. The outcome of the complaint filed with FIFA could set a precedent for future tournaments and influence how similar issues are handled in the future. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the Iranian team can compete under fair and equitable conditions as they continue their campaign in the World Cup.