Iran to lodge FIFA complaint over repeated US-imposed restrictions ahead of Belgium clash

Iran's Football Federation says it will file an official complaint with FIFA after a second consecutive refusal by tournament organizers to accommodate Team Melli's preparation.

The complaint comes after Iranian officials said restrictions imposed by the United States again prevented the national team from traveling to a host city according to its pre-approved schedule. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Iran had informed FIFA of its preparation plan before the tournament. Under that schedule, the coaching staff requested that the team arrive in each host city two days before matches and return to its base camp the day after games to ensure optimal physical and technical preparation.

However, the federation said the arrangement was not respected for Iran's opening match against New Zealand. Instead of arriving two days before the game, the team was allowed to travel only one day in advance and was required to return to its accommodation immediately after the match.

According to the federation, the same restrictions have now been imposed ahead of Iran's second match against Belgium.

The match is scheduled to be played in Los Angeles at 12 p.m. local time on Sunday. Seeking additional time for players to adapt to local conditions, conduct their final training session and complete preparations, Iranian officials requested permission for the team to travel to Los Angeles two days before kickoff.

The request was rejected despite clear technical reasons supporting it.

As a result, Team Melli will be forced to travel to Los Angeles on Saturday, just one day before the match.

The federation said the restrictions were inconsistent with the principle of providing equal conditions for participating teams and could affect the technical preparation of national sides.

It added that it was dissatisfied with the decision and would pursue the matter through official channels with FIFA.

The latest dispute follows earlier criticism from Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei, who noted that the United States has been discriminating against his team and creating additional obstacles throughout the tournament.

"Team Melli is in a very difficult situation. We were not given proper time for preparation and recovery, and even after the match we are being forced to return immediately to Tijuana. This puts immense pressure on us," Ghalenoei said after Iran's opening game against New Zealand earlier this week.

‘Most oppressed team in World Cup history’: Iran coach slams hurdles imposed by US on Team Melli

Iran’s Team Melli is the “most oppressed team in FIFA World Cup history,” says head coach Amir Ghalenoei.

The coach noted that Iran had originally planned to establish its training camp in Tucson, Arizona, but was forced to relocate to Tijuana, Mexico, because of visa and logistical complications.

"They delayed our arrivals, and now they are forcing us to go back early without time for recovery. They are making the situation more and more difficult, facing us with more hurdles. But we're not going to let that stop us from doing our best," he said.

"That's why I think we are the most oppressed team in the World Cup."

Despite the latest setback, the Iranian federation said the national team would continue its preparations and remain fully focused on Sunday's match against Belgium in Los Angeles.

Iran was held to a 1-1 draw against New Zealand in its first match at Group G.

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