Iran vs Belgium at 2026 FIFA World Cup: US-Iran peace deal, travel bans and 'suppressed note' - All you need to know

Iran will face Belgium in a key 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G clash at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday amid tight US travel rules and renewed political tensions. Despite the recent cease-fire between the US and Iran, visitors continue to face strict entry protocols that have disrupted their preparation. Here’s everything you need to know.

Details on travel restrictions

The Iranian team is based in Tijuana, Mexico and must follow strict American protocols for matches played on American soil. For the match in Belgium, the team arrived less than 24 hours before kick-off after waiting in vain for permission to arrive earlier. Training sessions were cut short, leaving coach Amir Ghalenoei little time to incorporate tactics.

The team immediately returned to Mexico after a 2–2 draw with New Zealand, with no overnight recovery stay. Some aid workers still face visa problems. While the U.S. has approved entry for players and coaches as a goodwill gesture following the ceasefire, a fixed entry and exit schedule remains in place for this match.

The coach reveals the release for the final group game

In a positive development, Amir Ghalenoei announced on June 20 that restrictions would be eased for Iran’s final group match against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. “In Seattle, they said, you can do what you want, you can act how you want, and you can come early,” he said. However, he questioned why similar flexibility was not provided for the first two games. “But what I want, my problem is, why didn’t they let us come earlier for the first two games?” he added.

The coach linked the team’s fatigue directly to their opening result. “There were mistakes, individual … because we were flying too much, commuting, we were tired as a result of this long commute,” Ghalenoei explained after the draw in New Zealand.

Note ‘Oppressed’ and growing frustration

Earlier, Amir Ghalenoei described Iran as “the most downtrodden team in the entire World Cup”, citing the absence of federation officials, media and proper recovery time. Captain Mehdi Taremi echoed the sentiment, calling the measures “like a disaster for us” and warning of physical tolls, including tendon and back problems.

Iran plans to take the matter to FIFA. The team praised Mexican hospitality while contrasting it with the difficulties they face in the US.

How the teams stack up ahead of the Iran vs. Belgium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Iran showed resilience in a 2-2 draw with New Zealand, twice coming from behind, but the result highlighted defensive lapses and travel fatigue. Belgium also opened with a 1-1 draw against Egypt. The Red Devils remain strong favorites and have an impressive recent unbeaten run, although their start has fallen short of expectations.

Both sides have one point from one game in Group G. A win would greatly boost their hopes of reaching the knockout stages in the expanded tournament.

White House officials said the measure was driven by security concerns and said the situation remains reviewed after each game.