Iran to File Complaint with FIFA Over Travel Restrictions for World Cup 2026

Iran’s National Football Team to File Complaint with FIFA Over Travel Restrictions

The Iranian football federation has announced that it will submit a complaint to FIFA regarding travel restrictions imposed by the tournament organizers during the 2026 World Cup in North America. The team had requested permission to fly from their base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, to the United States two days before their next group match against Belgium in Los Angeles.

According to the Iranian federation’s spokesperson, the request was denied despite being submitted well in advance. The team aimed to provide sufficient time for players to adapt to the match conditions and complete final preparations. However, the request was turned down by US officials.

The Iranian delegation left the United States hours after their first World Cup game ended and returned to their base camp in Mexico. This move came following criticism of the US handling of their visas and stay in the country. The US administration has pushed back against the Iranian claims, stating that the team would be allowed to enter the US only on the day before the match.

The Iranian national football team will lodge a formal complaint with FIFA regarding the travel restrictions imposed by the tournament organizers.

Source: Al Jazeera