Iran WCup Soccer

Players for Iran arrive for the World Cup soccer tournament in Tijuana, Mexico, Sunday, June 7, 2026.

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Iran says it's being treated unfairly. Its World Cup travel schedule isn't unique

Iran says it's being treated unfairly. Its World Cup travel schedule isn't unique

Iran says it unfairly is being asked to travel to World Cup matches on the day before games and return immediately after, but that schedule itself is not uncommon among teams. Team Melli made the 127-mile charter flight from Tijuana International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport the day before its opening 2-2 draw against New Zealand on Monday. Iran returned to Mexico right after the match. The team’s request to travel to LA two days before Sunday’s match against Belgium was also denied. It says it will lodge a complaint against FIFA. Many teams are traveling the day before matches.