Iran Cites Unequal Conditions for World Cup Participation
The Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI) has announced its intention to file a formal complaint with FIFA concerning the travel limitations imposed on its national team during the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Under their current visa conditions, the Iranian team is permitted to enter the United States only one day before a scheduled match and must depart on the same day the game concludes. This policy prompted head coach Amir Ghalenoei to label his team as the "most oppressed" at the tournament, following their 2-2 draw against New Zealand in Los Angeles, which marked their opening game.
FFIRI Expresses Dissatisfaction with Restrictions
In a public statement, the FFIRI asserted that these travel restrictions are "inconsistent with the principle of providing equal conditions for all participating teams and may negatively affect teams' preparation processes." The federation confirmed it would "formally express its dissatisfaction and lodge an official complaint with FIFA through the appropriate channels."
This situation adds to previous uncertainties surrounding Iran's participation in the World Cup, which have been linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East and associated security concerns. FIFA President Gianni Infantino reportedly visited the Iranian team's dressing room after their match against New Zealand.
Previous Visa and Ticket Issues Highlighted
Prior to the tournament, several "integral" members of Iran's backroom staff were denied entry visas for the U.S. Additionally, the FFIRI had urged FIFA to "uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations" after their allocated tickets were reportedly revoked just before the event.
Despite these concerns, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) informed the BBC that the Iranian national football team had agreed to these terms. The BBC has reached out to the DHS for comment on Iran's planned complaint.
Impact on Team Preparation
Iran, which relocated its World Cup base from Arizona in the U.S. to Tijuana in Mexico due to regional conflicts, still has two group stage matches scheduled in the United States. These include a game against Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and another against Egypt in Seattle on June 27.
The FFIRI stated that their request to arrive in each host city two days prior to every match and return to their base camp the day after the game for "optimal technical and physical preparation" was denied for their opening match against New Zealand. The federation further noted that "the same situation has now been repeated ahead of Iran's second match against Belgium." They explained that their request for an earlier arrival in Los Angeles for the Belgium game, scheduled for 12:00 pm local time, was also rejected despite presenting technical justifications for player adaptation and final preparations.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, previously indicated that Iran was aware of the travel conditions for their matches. He told CBS News that the team would be permitted to arrive "match day minus one" and would be required to leave "the evening of the match."