The White House is portraying Iran's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a sign of cooperation, but members of the Iranian team say their experience has been marked by travel restrictions and logistical hurdles that they argue have undermined their tournament preparations.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House World Cup Task Force, described the Iranian team's admission to the United States as a "goodwill gesture," saying all 31 players and the coaching staff received visas despite months of tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Speaking to Politico, Giuliani said the decision reflected efforts by the U.S. government and FIFA to ensure Iran could compete in the tournament. He added that the team's participation could serve as an example of "sports diplomacy" at a time when the two countries are attempting to stabilize relations following a preliminary agreement extending their ceasefire.
But less than 24 hours after Iran opened its World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in Inglewood, California, head coach Amir Ghalenoei publicly criticized the treatment of his squad.
Ghalenoei told ESPN that the team had expected to remain in Los Angeles overnight for recovery before returning to its training base in Tijuana, Mexico, only to be informed after the match that it had to leave immediately. "I think perhaps our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup," Ghalenoei said.
Iran's World Cup preparations have been affected by broader geopolitical tensions. The team's original base camp in Arizona was relocated to Mexico after uncertainty surrounding visas and security arrangements. Several Iranian officials and support staff were reportedly unable to obtain permission to enter the United States, forcing the team to operate with a reduced delegation during the tournament.
Giuliani told CBS News that Iran would be required to return to Mexico after each match and travel back into the United States for subsequent games. He said the arrangement would not affect the integrity of the competition and that authorities would continue to monitor the situation closely.
The dispute has unfolded as Iran seeks to advance from Group G. Team captain Mehdi Taremi said players wanted to represent Iranians both inside and outside the country and called for support from the large Iranian diaspora in Southern California. "We are united and we are looking for peace," Taremi said before the tournament.
