Overview
- The FFIRI confirmed on Friday, June 19 that it will lodge an official grievance with FIFA saying U.S. travel restrictions are inconsistent with equal conditions and damage the team's preparations.
- Under U.S. arrangements Iran may enter host cities only one day before a match and must leave the United States the evening of the fixture, a policy the White House FIFA Task Force said Iran agreed to in advance.
- Iran moved its training base from Tucson to Tijuana before the tournament and says up to 15 delegation members were denied U.S. visas, forcing cross‑border commutes that complicate training, recovery and logistics.
- Coach Amir Ghalenoei publicly criticised the matchday departures after Iran drew with New Zealand and FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the dressing room as pressure on FIFA to respond increased.
- FIFA must now balance Iran's complaint with U.S. security concerns ahead of Iran's upcoming group games in Los Angeles on June 21 and Seattle on June 26, a decision that could affect competitive fairness and tournament precedent.