Key Points
- Iran says it will formally complain to FIFA over travel and preparation restrictions at the 2026 World Cup.
- Team officials argue the measures limit training, recovery and match preparation time.
- Iran will be allowed to arrive in Los Angeles only 24 hours before its crucial Group G match against Belgium.
ISLAMABAD: Iran’s football federation announced on Friday that it will formally lodge a complaint with FIFA over restrictions during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arguing that the measures undermine equal conditions for participating nations.
The dispute centres on travel arrangements for Iran’s Group G campaign. Iranian officials said the team has been informed it will only be permitted to arrive in Los Angeles 24 hours before its decisive match against Belgium on Sunday.
مخالفت آمریکاییها با سفر ایران به آمریکا ۲ روز قبل از بازی با بلژیک | فدراسیون فوتبال: درخواست تیم ملی برای سفر به شهر میزبان دو روز پیش از دیدار با بلژیک مورد موافقت قرار نگرفت و اعتراض به این تصمیم از طریق مجاری رسمی به فیفا ارائه خواهد شد
— خبرگزاری ایسنا (@isna_farsi) June 19, 2026
According to Iranian officials, these restrictions have been imposed despite requests to reach the host city earlier to complete training and recovery preparations.
The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) said the restrictions could adversely affect the team’s readiness for one of its most important matches of the tournament.
“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 federation said in a statement.
“Consequently, the federation will formally express its dissatisfaction and lodge an official complaint with FIFA through the appropriate channels.”
The latest development follows complaints raised after Iran’s opening 2-2 draw with New Zealand in Los Angeles. Team officials said players were required to return immediately to their base in Tijuana, Mexico, after the match rather than stay in the city overnight for recovery and training-related activities.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei voiced frustration over the arrangements, saying Iran had faced exceptional logistical challenges during the tournament.
Team captain Mehdi Taremi also expressed concerns, describing the recent period as extremely difficult for the squad.
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Iranian officials are particularly concerned because Sunday’s match against Belgium is scheduled for midday local time, reducing the time available for acclimatisation and final preparations after the team arrived in Los Angeles.
The federation maintains that all participating teams should have access to comparable preparation opportunities regardless of nationality and has urged FIFA to ensure fairness and sporting equality throughout the competition.
Despite the dispute, Iranian officials stressed that the national team remains focused on its World Cup campaign and preparations for the Belgium encounter.
Most competitive section of FIFA
Group G has emerged as one of the tournament’s most competitive sections after both opening matches ended in draws.
Iran and New Zealand shared four goals in a 2-2 thriller, while Belgium and Egypt also played out a 1-1 draw, leaving all four teams level heading into the second round of fixtures.
