Iran's Football Federation to File Protest with FIFA Over US Travel Restrictions
Iran's Protest Against US Travel Denial
The Football Federation of Iran is set to formally protest to FIFA following the United States' refusal to allow the national team to travel to Los Angeles just two days prior to their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match against Belgium.
As reported by the Iranian news agency ISNA, the federation has confirmed that their request for an early arrival in the host city was denied by US officials, prompting them to escalate the issue to FIFA through official channels.
On Friday, ISNA posted on X, stating, "Americans' Opposition to Iran's Trip to America 2 Days Before Match Against Belgium | Football Federation: The national team's request to travel to the host city two days prior to the match against Belgium was not approved, and a protest against this decision will be submitted to FIFA through official channels."
Iran's Campaign and Opening Match Details
Currently, Iran is based in Tijuana, Mexico, and is traveling from this border city for their three group-stage matches, with the first two scheduled in Los Angeles and the third in Seattle.
Iran kicked off their World Cup journey with a challenging 2-2 draw against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. New Zealand took the lead through Elijah, but Ramin Rezaeian equalized for Iran before halftime. New Zealand regained the lead in the second half with another goal from Elijah, assisted by Chris Wood, but Iran's Mohammad Mohebbi scored a header to level the match, resulting in both teams earning a point in an exciting Group G clash.
Geopolitical Context and Future Matches
Iran's participation in the tournament comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions with the United States and Israel. The team relocated their World Cup base from Arizona to Tijuana due to uncertainties surrounding travel and entry into the US, following weeks of concerns regarding visa issuance for the Iranian delegation.
Iran's next match is against Belgium on Sunday at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood. Belgium also started their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Egypt.
After the first round of matches, all four teams in Group G—Iran, New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt—are tied with one point each, with New Zealand leading on goal difference.