Iran team blames US for 'disastrous' restrictions at World Cup Submitted by Ayse Betul on Wed, 06/17/2026 - 10:40 Frustrated by US travel restrictions, Iranian players say Fifa should have done more to support them Members of the Iran coaching team during the national anthems before the New Zealand match as fans display pre-Iranian Revolution 'Lion and Sun' flags behind them, 15 June (Reuters/Daniel Cole) Off Iranian football players have voiced frustration over recurring World Cup hurdles against their participation in the tournament, pointing to politically driven decisions by US authorities as the source of restrictions. Team Melli have been subject to travel restrictions  since the tournament kicked off last week. Players and coaching staff say the travel schedules are impacting their match performance.