Story perspectives

Iran to File FIFA Complaint Over U.S. Travel Limits

6/20/2026

Summary

Iranian Federation Files Complaint

Iranian Football Federation will file a FIFA complaint over U.S. travel restrictions.
The federation sought a Tijuana-Los Angeles flight before its Sunday 12:00 pm Belgium match, but organizers allowed entry only the day before games.
White House FIFA Task Force director Andrew Giuliani said Iran may enter “match day minus one” and must leave that evening.
He said the same rule applies to Iran’s June 26 group game against Egypt in Seattle.

Summary

Iran Relocates Camp

Iran’s base camp moved from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico after officials faced visa problems.
U.S. visa denials for federation staff forced the team to operate from Mexico.
The delegation’s group-stage ticket allocation was revoked days before the opening match.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited Iran’s dressing room after the New Zealand draw and praised the players.
Player Mehdi Torabi obtained a new visa at the Tijuana consulate after the first game.

History

Historical Context

The 1979 Iranian Revolution toppled Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, prompting the 444-day hostage crisis in which 52 U.S. diplomats were seized and led President Jimmy Carter to freeze $1.5 billion of Iranian assets with Executive Order 12170. Decades later, the United States again barred the Iranian Football Federation’s staff from travel in 2024, forcing FIFA President Gianni Infantino to relocate the World Cup preparatory base to Tijuana.

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Iranian Federation Files Complaint

Iranian Football Federation will file a FIFA complaint over U.S. travel restrictions.
The federation sought a Tijuana-Los Angeles flight before its Sunday 12:00 pm Belgium match, but organizers allowed entry only the day before games.
White House FIFA Task Force director Andrew Giuliani said Iran may enter “match day minus one” and must leave that evening.
He said the same rule applies to Iran’s June 26 group game against Egypt in Seattle.

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