Iran files FIFA complaint over U.S. World Cup travel restrictions

The Iranian Football Federation has filed a complaint with FIFA over difficulties the national team has faced traveling to the United States ahead of its World Cup matches.

The federation says it requested permission to travel to Los Angeles two days before Sunday’s game against Belgium so players would have more time to rest and adjust, but the request was denied. Iranian officials argue the decision undermines equal conditions for participating teams and could negatively affect the squad’s preparation.

The complaint comes despite the United States and Iran signing an interim memorandum of understanding this week aimed at ending a conflict that began in February when U.S. and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran. The agreement includes a 60-day negotiating period and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high as both sides work toward a permanent settlement. Iranian officials argue that travel and visa restrictions continue to affect the national team’s preparations for World Cup matches in the United States.

Iran forced to stay in Tijuana, Mexico

In a statement, the federation expressed its dissatisfaction and said it had lodged a formal protest through the appropriate channels. It is not the first time Iran has raised concerns over such obstacles. A similar situation reportedly occurred before the match against New Zealand, when U.S. authorities authorized the team’s travel only one day before kickoff.

As a result, Iran has established its tournament base in the Mexican border city of Tijuana. The move is intended to minimize the logistical and diplomatic challenges that, according to Tehran, are being created by the White House.

Iranian authorities also claim that 15 members of the delegation, including players, coaches, and officials, have not been granted permission to enter the United States. The federation further alleges that U.S. authorities revoked visas tied to FIFA accreditations in an effort to limit the presence of Iranian supporters at World Cup matches.