Iran faces Belgium at World Cup amid visa chaos and geopolitical strife

The Iranian national football team, known as Team Melli, is set to face Belgium in the 2026 World Cup, but their participation is overshadowed by significant off-field challenges. The team alleges discrimination by U.S. authorities, citing visa denials for several members of their technical staff and management, which has complicated their preparation for the tournament.

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The war in the Middle East put the presence of Team Melli in this tournament in North America in doubt until the end, as never before had a host country been at war with a participating nation.

Adding to the difficulties, Iran's three group stage matches are all being held in the United States, necessitating arduous round trips. The team has been based in Tijuana, Mexico, for their preparations. These logistical hurdles have led the Asian squad to feel inadequately supported by FIFA.

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The team feels insufficiently defended by FIFA.

Iran's journey to this point has been fraught with uncertainty, partly due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, which had initially cast doubt on their presence in the North American tournament. The Iranian Football Federation filed a formal appeal with FIFA on Thursday, denouncing the lack of equitable treatment. They argue that being allowed to enter the United States only the day before their matches severely impacts their preparation.

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The treatment that the United States has applied to Iran is a stain on the recent history of the World Cup.

"The treatment that the United States has applied to Iran is a stain on the recent history of the World Cup," lamented Hedayat Mombeyni, the federation's secretary general. While Washington defends its actions, stating they consistently informed Team Melli about the travel arrangements, FIFA regulations allow teams to arrive in the host city the day before or two days prior in exceptional cases. Despite the low probability of their appeal succeeding, the Belgian team has shown empathy. Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois acknowledged the difficulties, suggesting that Iran might draw extra motivation from these adversities.

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It is not easy for them, surely it is not an ideal preparation.