The White House is reviewing the strict travel conditions imposed on the Iranian national football team during the 2026 World Cup, following complaints from the squad that the rules put them at a competitive disadvantage.
Iran's players are permitted to enter the United States—which co-hosts the tournament with Canada and Mexico—only one day before each match and must leave on the same day as the game. This policy led head coach Amir Ghalenoei to call his team the "most oppressed" at the tournament after they drew 2-2 with New Zealand in Los Angeles.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House's World Cup task force, confirmed that discussions are underway to adjust the travel schedule for Iran's third group match against Egypt on June 27 in Seattle. While the first two matches in Los Angeles involved a short 30-minute flight from the team's base in Mexico, the Seattle fixture requires a flight of up to three hours.
"I know the president wants to balance competitive fairness with national security," Giuliani told KOMO TV News. He noted that President Trump had signed an executive order to allow the Iranian team to enter the U.S. for the tournament.
Iran's football federation has formally complained, arguing that the restrictions undermine the principle of equal conditions for all teams. A statement from the federation said it would lodge an official complaint with FIFA.
Giuliani did not clarify whether Iranian officials were involved in the talks, and he did not respond to the BBC's request for comment. Iran next faces Belgium in Los Angeles on Sunday.