Iran have announced plans to file an official complaint with FIFA after claiming travel restrictions imposed by co-hosts the United States are disrupting their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI) expressed frustration over visa conditions that require the team to enter the United States only a day before matches and leave immediately after games, arguing that the measures place them at a competitive disadvantage compared to other teams in the tournament.
“The football federation of Iran believes that such restrictions are inconsistent with the principle of providing equal conditions for all participating teams and may negatively affect teams’ preparation processes,” the federation said in a statement on Friday.
The federation added that it would formally raise the issue with FIFA through official channels while assuring supporters that the team remains focused on Sunday’s crucial Group stage clash against Belgium.
Iran coach says team is ‘most oppressed’ at World Cup
The complaint follows remarks made by Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei after his side’s 2-2 draw against New Zealand in Los Angeles. The veteran coach revealed the team was instructed to leave the United States immediately after the match and return to its base in Tijuana, Mexico.
“After the game they said to us, ‘You have to leave immediately’. We’ve been asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana, and we are really troubled by that,” Ghalenoei told reporters.
“They are forcing us to go back early. They are making the situation more and more difficult, more hurdles, but we’re not going to let that stop us from doing our best.”
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The coach also claimed Iran faced obstacles even before the tournament began, saying the squad was denied permission to arrive in the United States two days before its opening fixture.
Ghalenoei went further, describing Iran as the “most oppressed” team at the tournament, citing the absence of federation officials, media personnel and support staff around the squad.
“We were supposed to arrive two nights before the game, but they didn’t permit it. We were supposed to stay here tonight to recover and return at lunchtime. I think our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup,” he said.
Iran’s participation in the World Cup has been overshadowed by uncertainty linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East and related security concerns. Despite the off-field distractions, the Asian side remains in contention for a place in the knockout rounds as they prepare for a stern test against Belgium.
The outcome of Iran’s complaint could draw significant attention, with the federation arguing that all teams should be afforded equal logistical conditions during football’s biggest tournament.