Overview
- Iran finished third in Group G and were knocked out on goal difference after drawing with New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, with Austria’s late equaliser sealing their exit on June 29, 2026.
- The team had based itself in Tijuana, Mexico because the United States denied visas to several delegation members and initially allowed Iran to enter only the day before matches with same‑day exits.
- U.S. officials later eased the timing before the final match to allow an earlier entry but the squad still had to return to Tijuana immediately after games, with footage showing players arriving around 4:00 a.m.
- Iran’s football federation has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA calling the travel and visa restrictions discriminatory and political interference, and prominent commentators have publicly criticised the treatment.
- The case highlights a practical limit on FIFA’s influence because U.S. immigration and security rules remained in force despite tournament exceptions, and it could prompt review of how host‑nation policies shape teams’ preparation and recovery.