Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has accused World Cup hosts the United States of treating his team unfairly through travel restrictions and visa denials, saying the measures have disrupted preparations for Sunday's match against Belgium.
Speaking ahead of Iran's second group-stage match, Ghalenoei said restrictions imposed on the team had forced changes to training schedules and created additional logistical challenges.
According to the coach, Iran was denied permission to travel to Los Angeles on Friday, leaving the squad with less preparation time than planned.
"We needed to have 24 hours in Los Angeles, but they gave us less than 16 hours, and that is why we had to leave our training halfway," Ghalenoei said.
Iran is operating under travel restrictions imposed by the United States following the outbreak of war between the two countries on February 28. The team has been required to travel from its training base in Tijuana, Mexico, to match venues in the United States shortly before games and return immediately afterward.
Ghalenoei said FIFA President Gianni Infantino had attempted to help ease some of the restrictions and expressed hope that the team would receive greater flexibility for its final group-stage match against Egypt in Seattle.
The coach also criticised visa refusals affecting members of Iran's delegation, including football federation officials, support staff, and media personnel.
"Such kind of behavior is not suitable for a World Cup," he said.
Midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi echoed the concerns, saying travel demands had prevented the team from focusing fully on preparation.
Despite the complaints, Ghalenoei acknowledged that entry procedures had improved compared with Iran's opening match against New Zealand, when the squad faced lengthy customs delays.
Belgium defender Thomas Meunier expressed sympathy for the Iranian team, saying some players may have family members directly affected by the conflict and that such circumstances could provide additional motivation on the field.
Iran opened its World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand and will face Belgium on Sunday before concluding the group stage against Egypt.