Iran has filed an official complaint with FIFA over travel restrictions that could derail its 2026 World Cup campaign. The protest follows the denial of visas for key back‑room staff and the revocation of ticket allocations just before the tournament starts. FIFA president Gianni Infantino met the squad after their loss to New Zealand, amid rising tensions.

Back‑room staff denied entry visas to the United States, forcing the federation to move its base from Arizona to Tijuana in Mexico. Iran now needs to arrive in each host city two days before a match to optimise training, yet officials have declined the request for the June 21 game against Belgium in Los Angeles.

FIFA’s decision means Iran will only enter the venue the day before each game and leave immediately after, a schedule that clashes with the team’s preparation routine. The federation insists that the timing is essential for adapting to time zones, completing final drills and securing optimal physical condition before facing strong opponents.

With two group games left, Iran’s frustration could affect performance in Los Angeles and Seattle. The federation’s appeal to FIFA to uphold neutrality and fairness highlights broader security concerns surrounding the tournament. FIFA must resolve the issue promptly to avoid further disruption to the world‑wide event.