Iran's Football Federation has raised an alarm over the challenging travel conditions faced by their team during the 2026 World Cup held in the United States. The strict travel restrictions imposed have forced the Iranian players to navigate the logistical nightmare of arriving and departing on matchdays, disrupting their preparation and recovery timelines.

In response to the imposed U.S. travel restrictions, the Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI) has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, the governing body of world football. The FFIRI argues that these stringent rules are adversely affecting the team's ability to compete at their optimum level and are demanding a resolution to ensure a fair and equitable playing field for all teams involved.

While the American authorities have defended the stringent travel measures as pre-agreed terms, the Iranian team's grievances stem from the practical challenges these restrictions present. The FFIRI emphasizes the necessity of conducive conditions for athlete welfare and performance, highlighting the strain imposed by travel logistics on their squad.