Iran’s football federation has announced it will file an official complaint with FIFA over travel restrictions imposed on the national team during the 2026 World Cup, arguing the measures place the squad at a disadvantage compared with other participants.
Iran are allowed to fly into the United States, who are co-hosts along with Canada and Mexico, a day before they have a game and have to leave the country on the same day as a match under the conditions of their visas.
This led to head coach Amir Ghalenoei saying they are the “most oppressed” team at the tournament following a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in Los Angeles in their opening game.
Under the terms of their visas, Iranian players and staff are permitted to enter the US only one day before a match and must leave on the same day as the game. The US is co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico.
In a statement, the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) said the restrictions were inconsistent with the principle of equal treatment for all teams.
“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 statement said.
The federation added that it would formally express its dissatisfaction and submit a complaint to FIFA.
The latest dispute follows weeks of logistical and visa-related difficulties surrounding Iran’s participation in the tournament. The team was forced to move its World Cup base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, after visa issues affected several federation officials and support staff.
Iranian officials have also complained about restrictions affecting delegation members, media access and fans attending matches in the US.
The issue intensified after Iran’s opening Group G match against New Zealand in Los Angeles, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
