Which World Cup 2026 venues are affected by the U.S. travel rule?

The rule applies to matches in Los Angeles and Seattle; Tijuana is in Mexico and not subject to U.S. entry policies.

How many hours before a match must teams arrive under the U.S. rule?

Teams must arrive no more than 24 hours before kickoff.

Who decides whether the travel rule is fair?

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee will review Iran’s complaint and make a ruling.

Which other teams are in Iran’s World Cup 2026 group?

Group G includes Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.

When is the next FIFA meeting with the Iranian delegation?

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is scheduled to meet the Iranian delegation during a pre-tournament tour of North American venues.

Has FIFA intervened in similar travel disputes before?

FIFA has historically avoided direct challenges to host-nation entry policies, preferring to frame such issues as beyond its jurisdiction unless they violate tournament regulations.

Iran to Protest FIFA Over U.S. Travel Rules

Iran’s football federation accuses the U.S. of unfair World Cup 2026 travel restrictions that slash preparation time for matches in Los Angeles and Seattle. The complaint risks overshadowing FIFA’s push for a neutral, apolitical tournament.

ByKostadin Stamboliev2 sourcesPublished Jul 1, 6:27 PM

Iran to Protest FIFA Over U.S. Travel Rules

travel rules that force the national team to land one day before World Cup matches and depart the same evening. officials insist the policy is applied uniformly to every squad. Iran’s opening Group G fixtures in and Seattle fall under the rule, with the team also scheduled to play in Tijuana.