Due to visa uncertainties and ongoing tensions with the US, the Iranian squad is traveling from their base in co-host Mexico to the US for their three group matches.
US regulations necessitate that they arrive within 24 hours of each match and depart on the same day, causing team coach Amir Ghalenoei to label Iran as the “most oppressed” team in the tournament.
“The Football Federation of Iran asserts that these restrictions contradict the principles of ensuring equal opportunities for participating teams and could hinder their technical preparation,” the federation stated in a release on Friday announcing its objection to FIFA.
Neither FIFA nor the US Department of Homeland Security responded immediately to requests from Reuters for comment.
Ghalenoei indicated that the disruptions affected Iran during their 2‑2 draw with New Zealand on Monday.
“According to the coaching staff’s plan, the national team was supposed to travel to the host city two days prior to each match to ensure optimal technical and physical readiness, returning to their base the day after each game,” the federation explained.
“However, this request was denied for the opening match against New Zealand.”
Iran will take on Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles and wrap up their Group G matches against Egypt on June 27 in Seattle.
