Iran to file complaint with FIFA over travel restrictions

6 sources2 min read • Latest: Jun 19, 2026, 7:50 AM

Last updated Jun 19, 2026

Iran to file complaint with FIFA over travel restrictions
Summary

Iran's World Cup team plans to lodge a complaint with FIFA regarding travel restrictions encountered during the tournament in North America. The Iranian football federation spokesperson stated that the team's request to travel from their base in Tijuana to Los Angeles was denied. Iran aimed to arrive two days prior to their match against Belgium to allow time for player adaptation and training. In response, Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, clarified that the team was informed they could only enter the U.S. the day before the match and that they would need to leave immediately following the game. This situation follows Iran's opening match, which ended in a 2-2 draw with New Zealand.

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Status Watch
  • Iran's complaint about travel restrictions will be filed with FIFA.
  • The team was denied a request to fly to Los Angeles two days before the match.
  • Iran's first match ended in a 2-2 draw against New Zealand.
  • Andrew Giuliani stated Iran was informed of travel conditions beforehand.
  • Iran's next match is scheduled against Belgium in Los Angeles.
Latest Updates
  • 10:23 AMYahoo SportsIran to lodge complaint over United States travel restrictions at World Cup
  • 7:50 AMYahoo SportsIran to lodge complaint over travel restrictions
  • 7:50 AMBBC SportIran to lodge complaint over travel restrictions
  • 7:30 AMYahoo SportsOfficial Iran statement confirms plans to complain to FIFA over World Cup ‘restrictions’
  • 7:01 AMYahoo SportsIran to lodge complaint with FIFA over World Cup 2026 travel restrictions
  • 5:19 AMYahoo SportsIran to lodge complaint with FIFA over World Cup restrictions
What they're saying
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Iran's World Cup team will lodge a complaint with FIFA claiming they are being subjected to travel restrictions during the tournament in North America, the Iranian football federation spokesman said on Thursday."Despite having submitted its preparation schedule for the tournament well in advance, Iran's national football team has once again encountered restrictions imposed by the organizers, affecting the implementation of its technical staff's plans," the spokesman said.

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Iran are set to lodge an official complaint with FIFA due to the issues they have faced at the 2026 World Cup, they have confirmed in a statement. Their tournament kicked off in the United States against New Zealand but there have been several problems to contend with both before and after that match.

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The Iranian team have been forced to set up their base in Mexico despite playing all their group games in the United States

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