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Latin Times
Latin Times
Politics
Pedro Camacho

White House Hails Iran's World Cup Entry as a 'Goodwill Gesture'; Coach Says Team Was Ordered Out of U.S. After Opener

Players of Iran pose for a team photograph before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match between IR Iran and New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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.

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