White House Discusses Easing Travel Restrictions for Iran's Team

The White House is reportedly considering easing the strict travel restrictions imposed on the Iranian national team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Under current visa conditions, the Iranian team is only permitted to enter the United States – co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico – one day before a match and must depart immediately after the fixture.

These regulations led head coach Amir Ghalenoei to label his squad as the “most oppressed” at the tournament after their 2-2 draw with New Zealand in Los Angeles in their opening match.

Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House World Cup Task Force, stated that “discussions” are underway regarding the team's travel schedule for their third group stage match. This game is against Egypt on June 27th in Seattle.

The Iranian squad is based in Mexico for the duration of the tournament. According to Giuliani, it was reasonable for the team to adhere to the strict rules for their first two matches in Los Angeles, which is a 30-minute flight. However, with the flight to Seattle lasting up to three hours, authorities are “having conversations” about potential changes.

“I know the President wants to strike a balance between sporting fairness on the field and ensuring we don't compromise our national security,” he told local Seattle television station KOMO TV News.

“We want to make sure the Iranian team has the opportunity to come and compete. What we've done for the Iranian team is exceptional, and credit goes to President Trump. He signed an executive order to allow the team to come and play in the World Cup. They were already here to play in Los Angeles and will do so again on the 21st.”

Giuliani did not specify whether Iran is participating in these discussions.

The Iranian side insists that their national team should be allowed to arrive in each host city two days before every match and return to their base camp one day after the fixture, “to achieve optimal technical and physical preparation.”

“The Football Federation of Iran believes that such restrictions contradict the principle of ensuring a level playing field for all participating teams and could negatively impact preparatory processes,” the Iranian staff told the BBC.

“Consequently, the federation will officially express its dissatisfaction and file a formal complaint with FIFA through the appropriate channels.”