Iran Files Formal Complaint with FIFA Over Travel Restrictions

Washington DC. Iran is set to file a formal complaint with football's governing body (FIFA) against the travel restrictions it faced during the 2026 World Cup. Iran was only allowed to enter the United States one day before its match in this World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. According to visa conditions, the Iranian team is compelled to leave the US on the same day the match concludes.

After drawing 2-2 with New Zealand in its first match in Los Angeles, Iran's head coach Amir Ghalenoei stated that they were the 'most pressured' team in the tournament. The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) issued a statement saying that the travel restrictions imposed on them are contrary to the principle of providing equal conditions to all participating teams and could negatively impact the team's preparation process.