World Cup: Iran Launch Official FIFA Complaint Over Treatment

Writing has always been Josh's way of expressing his deep enthusiasm for sports, and this new path allows him to bring a fresh and honest perspective to his work.

He also gains valuable experience as a volunteer match reporter for the Loughborough Foxes WFC. Covering live events has helped Josh improve his storytelling skills and given him a closer insight into the game. Sign in to your GiveMeSport account Iran played out a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening Group G fixture at this summer's World Cup, but the result in Los Angeles was overshadowed by frustrations away from the pitch.

Instead of a routine recovery and build-up to their next game, talk soon turned to how the team has been treated logistically since arriving, with them already switching their training base to Mexico, despite all of their group matches being in the United States, just weeks before the tournament started.

It's a tournament Iran arrived at already under the spotlight, with the team having been at the centre of plenty of politically charged discussions before the World Cup, following recent conflict in the Middle East. Concerns have since grown inside the camp about scheduling decisions made with little input from the Iranian side, leaving players and staff increasingly unhappy with how things have been handled.

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei didn't hold back when discussing the situation. Iran had been informed they had to fly straight back to their training base in Tijuana immediately after the New Zealand match, rather than staying overnight for a recovery session as originally planned.

"We’ve been asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana and we are really troubled by that, they are forcing us to go back early. They are making the situation more and more difficult, more hurdles, but we’re not going to let that stop us from doing our best."

Iran played their first game at the 2026 World Cup in the United States of America, but were given clear instructions after the whistle.

He went further, branding Iran "the most oppressed" team at the entire World Cup:

“I think our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup. Our federation isn’t here, our media isn’t here, our management isn’t here.”

It has since emerged that Iran will only be allowed to land in Los Angeles 24 hours before their game against Belgium, despite requesting extra time to arrive given the match kicks off at midday.

A spokesperson said: “The football federation of Iran believes that such restrictions are inconsistent with the principle of providing equal conditions for all participating teams and may negatively affect teams’ preparation processes.”

“Consequently, the federation will formally express its dissatisfaction and lodge an official complaint with FIFA through the appropriate channels.”

A strong statement has been released after footage of the commentary went viral.

They went on to say that despite the complaint and the limitations on their travel, Iran will continue as instructed in their preparation for their match with the Belgians.