Iran's football federation plans to file a formal complaint with FIFA. The team claims it faces unfair travel restrictions during the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Currently stationed in Tijuana, Mexico, the Iranian squad requested early entry into the United States. They wanted to arrive two days ahead of their Group G match against Belgium in Los Angeles this Sunday.
Authorities rejected the request, a federation spokesperson confirmed. This decision came despite Iran submitting its full preparation schedule months in advance.
The early arrival would've given players time to adjust and train properly, officials argued. It also allowed tacticians to finalize their game plan against Belgium.
"Despite the technical reasons presented by the federation, the request was once again denied," the spokesman stated. He indicated the federation would escalate the matter to football's governing body.
This marks the second travel dispute for Iran at this tournament. After their 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening match, they were required to leave Los Angeles that same evening.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, defended the protocols. He told CBS News the arrangement followed standard procedure applied equally to all teams.
"The team will be allowed to come in, match day minus one, so the day before the match," Giuliani explained. Iran will face the same requirements for their final group match against Egypt in Seattle.
The travel friction reflects broader geopolitical tensions affecting Iran's World Cup campaign. Just before the tournament kicked off, the team relocated its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana.
Multiple federation officials reportedly couldn't enter the United States due to visa denials. These bureaucratic hurdles have complicated Iran's preparation efforts throughout the competition.
Yet the Iranian team remains determined to compete effectively. They'll look to bounce back against Belgium despite the mounting off-field challenges.
