Iran’s Football Federation is set to lodge a formal complaint with FIFA following reports that the United States rejected the national team’s request to travel to Los Angeles two days ahead of their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G fixture against Belgium.
According to the Iranian news agency ISNA, the domestic governing body confirmed that American authorities did not clear Iran’s request for an early arrival in the city.
ISNA shared a post on X on Friday, 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.”
The Iranian squad is currently operating out of a tournament base camp in Tijuana, Mexico. The team is forced to commute from the border town for all three of their opening-round matches, with their first two games in Los Angeles and their final group match in Seattle.
Iran’s World Cup participation comes amidst a backdrop of severe, ongoing geopolitical friction involving the United States and Israel.
Iran drew with New Zealand in the first game
Iran began its World Cup journey with a highly competitive 2-2 draw against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. New Zealand scored an early goal courtesy of a strike from Elijah, but Ramin Rezaeian managed to equalise for Iran right before the halftime whistle.
In the second half, Elijah scored again for the Kiwis after latching onto a pass from Chris Wood. However, Iran showed great resilience as Mohammad Mohebbi converted a fine header to secure a point in a thrilling Group G opener.
Iran is now set to play Belgium in their second group-stage match this Sunday at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood. Belgium also enters the fixture on the back of a 1-1 draw against Egypt.
Following the completion of the opening matchday, all four contestants in Group G are locked on one point each, with New Zealand sitting at the top of the standings via goal difference.
(With ANI inputs)
