Iran files complaint with FIFA over 2026 World Cup restrictions

The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has announced its intention to file a formal complaint with FIFA, alleging that organisers of the 2026 World Cup have imposed unfair restrictions on the Iranian national team. The federation is particularly angered that Iranian players were only permitted to enter the United States one day before their match against Belgium, rather than the two days requested for proper preparation.

According to an FFIRI statement reported by Iranian state agency IRNA and cited by multiple outlets, the federation argues that these limitations contravene the principle of equal treatment among all participating teams. The statement noted that for the team's first group match against New Zealand, players were also only allowed to arrive one day before the game and required to leave immediately afterwards, preventing them from following the optimal training schedule set by the coaching staff.

The Iranian federation specifically requested that the team be allowed to travel to Los Angeles, where the match against Belgium is scheduled for Sunday 21 June, two days in advance to facilitate adaptation, a final training session, and full preparation. That request was denied, forcing the squad to travel on Saturday, just one day before the kick-off, which is set for 12:00 local time.

Earlier this year, FIFA permitted Iran to relocate its training base from Arizona to Mexico, and all of Iran's group-stage matches are taking place in the United States. Previously, 15 Iranian officials were denied US visas, though four later successfully appealed. The team is required to leave the US after each match. The FFIRI has stated that its protest will be submitted through official FIFA channels, expressing dissatisfaction with what it describes as restrictive measures that could hamper the team's performance.

The 2026 World Cup, running from 11 June to 19 July, is the first edition hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament features 48 teams, expanded from the traditional 32.