Iran to lodge FIFA complaint over World Cup travel restrictions

TIJUANA, MEXICO - JUNE 19: Players of Iran participate in a practice session ahead of Iran’s second 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Belgium in the United States, at the Xoloitzcuintle Center on June 19, 2026, in Tijuana, Mexico. (Photo by Francisco Vega/Getty Images) Francisco Vega | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images Iran plans to lodge a complaint with soccer's world governing body FIFA over travel restrictions its team is facing in the U.S. at the World Cup . Due to uncertainty over visas and the conflict with the U.S. , the Iranian team are commuting from their tournament base in co-host Mexico for their three group games in the United States. U.S. authorities require them to enter within 24 hours of a match and leave the same day, leading team coach Amir Ghalenoei to say Iran were the "most oppressed" team in the tournament. "The Football Federation of Iran believes these restrictions are inconsistent with the principles of providing equal conditions for participating teams and may affect their technical preparation," the federation said in a statement on Friday announcing its protest to FIFA. FIFA did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. Andrew Giuliani, director of the White House World Cup Task Force, told British newspaper The Telegraph that he would be open to renegotiating the terms of Iran's entry to the United States. He added that Washington could consider allowing Iran to stay longer around their matches. …