Iranian Football Federation protests World Cup 2026 entry restrictions in the United States

The federation has appealed to FIFA, protesting restrictions on the team's entry into the United States for the 2026 World Cup. The Iranian team, currently in Tijuana, Mexico, has not secured US visas for about a dozen staff members and feels mistreated. They are only allowed to enter the US the day before their three group matches, rather than two days prior, which they claim hinders their preparation for upcoming games, including one against Belgium on Sunday.

Mombeyni stated this lack of fair play does not adhere to FIFA rules and standards, suggesting that countries unable to apply FIFA rules should not host tournaments. He added that the US treatment of Iranians represents a "dark episode in the recent history of the World Cup." The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, marks the first time a host country is in conflict with a participating nation.

Washington, however, maintains that it was always agreed that Iran would enter the US only the day before its matches. Andrew Giuliani, Director of the White House Task Force on World Cup organization, stated on Friday that this arrangement was agreed upon with the Iranian team and FIFA weeks ago and discussed for months. Giuliani did not rule out adjustments for Iran's third match in Seattle on June 26, noting that "everything is constantly evolving" and