Travel restrictions spark diplomatic row
Iran’s football federation has announced that it will file a formal complaint with FIFA regarding the travel restrictions imposed by the United States on its World Cup squad.
The Iranian team is currently based in Mexico while it prepares for the group stage, and it must travel to the United States for each of its three matches, adhering to a strict 24‑hour entry window and a same‑day departure rule.
Coach Amir Ghalenoei said the regime has left the squad feeling the most oppressed of any team in the tournament, emphasizing how the logistical hurdles affect morale and preparation.
The federation argues that these measures are inconsistent with the principle of providing equal conditions for all participating nations, and it hopes that FIFA will intervene to ensure a level playing field.
Andrew Giuliani, who heads the White House World Cup Task Force, has indicated a willingness to renegotiate the terms of Iran’s entry, though he stopped short of promising a reversal of the current policy.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security maintains that the restrictions are purely safety precautions that were mutually agreed upon with Iranian officials.
Iran is scheduled to face Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles before concluding its Group G fixtures against Egypt on June 27 in Seattle, matches that will test the team’s ability to navigate the imposed travel constraints.