The United States will maintain strict travel restrictions on the Iranian national soccer team for their remaining World Cup matches in Los Angeles and Seattle, tournament officials confirmed on June 20, 2026.
The decision comes despite the Iranian football federation's announcement that it will lodge an official complaint with FIFA over the security arrangements.
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Under the current mandate, the Iranian squad is permitted to enter U. S.
host cities only 24 hours before kickoff and must depart immediately back to their training base in Tijuana, Mexico, following each game.
Iranian officials argue these rules negatively impact player recovery and preparation, especially ahead of their Group G fixture against Belgium on June 21, 2026.
Iran's Complaints and FIFA Regulations
Hedayat Mombeini, the secretary-general of the Iranian soccer federation, expressed frustration regarding the logistical hurdles imposed on the squad during the tournament.
"We are the only team that are participating in the World Cup that we are at the host cities just 24 hours and it is not fair," stated Mombeini through a translator.
"All these limitations on us, it has negative effects on our physical and mental things on our players."
The federation further argued that the strict schedule prevents the team from maintaining standard sports performance routines required for an international tournament.
"Such restrictions are inconsistent with the principle of providing equal conditions for all participating teams and may negatively affect teams' preparation processes," the federation noted in an official statement.
