Iran to File FIFA Complaint Over US Travel Restrictions at 2026 World Cup
Iran's football federation plans to lodge an official complaint with FIFA over travel restrictions imposed by the United States during the 2026 World Cup. The team, based in Tijuana, Mexico, is required to enter the US only a day before matches and leave immediately after, limiting preparation and recovery time. Iran requested to arrive two days early for their match against Belgium in Los Angeles to adapt and train but was denied. US officials maintain these conditions were communicated in advance. Iran argues the restrictions undermine equal conditions and affect their performance, while US authorities emphasize adherence to established protocols amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.