Iran team arrives in Los Angeles ahead of World Cup match against Belgium

BASRA, Iraq — LOS ANGELES — Iran's national football team arrived in Los Angeles less than 24 hours before its 2026 World Cup match against Belgium, according to team sources. The delegation is staying in the Manhattan Beach area, where security has been tightened, with police deployed around the hotel, access limited to guests and main entrances closed to security patrols. A source within the delegation said the squad reached the city at midday local time on match day. The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran is preparing to file a complaint with FIFA over restrictions placed on the team's movement in the United States during the tournament, which prevent the squad from staying in U.S. host cities for extended periods outside match days. The team has been based in Mexico City during its preparation phase and is traveling into U.S. cities only for matches, a setup that has drawn criticism within the Iranian federation. Iran faces Belgium in Group G. Iran opened its campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, while Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt. The 2026 World Cup is the first to feature 48 teams and is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.