Iran Files FIFA Complaint Over Travel Issues at World Cup 2026

WHO:

BBC - Iran national football team, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, US Department of Homeland Security, Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI), Andrew Giuliani (executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force).

WHAT:

BBC - The Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI) stated that their request to arrive in host cities two days before matches was denied for their game against New Zealand, and this situation has now been repeated ahead of Iran's second match against Belgium.

BBC - The FFIRI emphasized that the team needed to arrive in each host city two days before every match and return to its base camp the day after the game for optimal preparation, but this request was not approved for both matches.

BBC - Iran is lodging a complaint to FIFA over travel restrictions affecting their participation in the World Cup.

BBC - Multiple "integral" members of Iran's backroom staff were denied entry visas to the US.

BBC - Iran's allocation of tickets for the World Cup was revoked on the eve of the tournament.

BBC - Iran's national football team has two remaining group games in the US: against Belgium and Egypt.

BBC - The FFIRI stated that their request to arrive in host cities two days before matches was denied.

WHERE:

BBC - Iran switched their World Cup base from Arizona, US, to Tijuana, Mexico.

BBC - Iran's matches are scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle.

WHEN:

BBC - Iran's match against Belgium is scheduled for June 21 at 20:00 BST.

BBC - Iran's match against Egypt is scheduled for June 27 at 04:00 BST.

BBC - The team will be allowed to enter the US "match day minus one," meaning the day before each match.

WHY:

BBC - The FFIRI claimed that despite presenting technical reasons for their travel requests, they were denied approval, impacting their preparation for the matches.

BBC - The FFIRI requested to arrive early in host cities to ensure optimal technical and physical preparation for their matches.

BBC - Andrew Giuliani stated that Iran was aware of the travel situation they faced regarding their matches.

HOW:

BBC - A spokesperson from the US Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the Iranian national football team agreed to the travel terms set by US authorities, which included entering the US "match day minus one."

BBC - The US Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the Iranian national football team agreed to the travel terms set by the US authorities.

The Football Federation of Iran has announced that their request to arrive in host cities two days before matches was denied for both their game against New Zealand and their upcoming match against Belgium. They emphasized that this lack of approval is affecting their preparation, despite presenting technical reasons for their travel requests. A spokesperson from the US Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the Iranian national football team agreed to travel terms set by US authorities, which require them to enter the US "match day minus one."