Iran Football Team’s Request for Early Entry to U.S. Denied Ahead of World Cup Match
TEHRAN/WASHINGTON:** Iran’s national football team has been denied permission to enter the United States two days before its upcoming FIFA World Cup match, prompting criticism from the Iranian Football Federation.
The federation said travel restrictions are being imposed on the team despite its participation in the **FIFA World Cup 2026**, adding that it plans to file a formal complaint with **FIFA**. Officials argue that the restrictions are disrupting the team’s preparations for the tournament.
According to a spokesperson for the Iranian Football Federation, organizers were asked to allow the squad to travel to Los Angeles two days before its Group-stage match against Belgium, scheduled for Sunday. However, the request was rejected.
The spokesperson said the team had submitted its training and travel schedule well in advance and provided technical and logistical reasons for arriving earlier, but organizers maintained the restrictions.
On the other hand, **Andrew Giuliani** stated that Iran had already been informed of the travel conditions. Under the arrangement, the team is permitted to enter the United States only one day before the match and must depart on the same evening after the game.
Iran’s next two World Cup fixtures, against **Belgium National Football Team** and **Egypt National Football Team**, are both scheduled to be played in the United States.
Iranian officials maintain that the restrictions place the team at a competitive disadvantage, while tournament organizers say the travel arrangements were communicated in advance and are being applied according to established protocols.
