US defends Iran World Cup travel limits but signals possible changes for Seattle match

Current restrictions

Iran’s players and staff must arrive at the match venue no more than 24 hours before kickoff and return immediately afterwards to their training base in Tijuana, Mexico. The rule applied to their opening Group G draw against New Zealand in Los Angeles and will be in place again for the fixture against Belgium on Sunday.

“We are the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup.”

The team left the US hours after the final whistle in Los Angeles, prompting criticism because the squad could not rest overnight. A separate visa problem for winger Mehdi Torabi, whose entry permit expired after the first match, was later resolved with a new multiple-entry visa.

White House position

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, described the situation as fluid and said talks will take place about the arrangements for Iran’s third match against Egypt in Seattle on 27 June.

“The situation is dynamic. We have a plan right now. Tomorrow afternoon they will take the 27-minute flight back to Tijuana. We will see how it goes for match two, and then there will be discussions the day after in terms of what it looks like for match three in Seattle.”

Giuliani defended the measures, noting that the pre-tournament relocation of Iran’s camp from Tucson to Tijuana had cut the flight time to Los Angeles by an hour. He stressed that all players and coaches hold visas, though some team officials were refused because of what he termed derogatory information.

Possible FIFA complaint

Iran’s football federation considers the treatment unequal compared with other qualified teams and is considering lodging a formal complaint with FIFA, according to multiple reports. Coach Ghalenoei had expected to spend the night in California after the New Zealand game to allow normal recovery.

Looking ahead to Seattle

The logistical challenge of a three-hour flight from Tijuana to Seattle, compared with the short hop to Los Angeles, is driving the review. Giuliani said the US wants to balance national security with the integrity of the competition, adding that discussions would begin the day after the Belgium match.

Giuliani also credited President Donald Trump for enabling Iran to compete in the tournament, saying the administration is trying to give the team the opportunity to play without compromising security.