Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – The United States will continue to evaluate Iran’s travel arrangements during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, though officials say the current system remains in place despite growing tensions and a planned complaint to FIFA.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House task force overseeing the tournament, said the plan for Iran’s movement between matches is still active, but could change depending on circumstances after upcoming fixtures.
Iran has raised strong objections to the restrictions, which limit the team’s movements to match-specific travel windows. The squad must fly to venues within 24 hours of games and return immediately afterward to its training base in Tijuana, Mexico.
Coach Amir Ghalenoei described his side as “the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup,” reflecting frustration within the camp.
Giuliani said the system remains under review. Iran face Belgium in Los Angeles on Sunday, then Egypt in Seattle later in the week, and officials expect to reassess logistics after each match.
“Right now, the plan stays in place,” Giuliani said in Houston. “After the Belgium game, they return to Tijuana on a short flight. After that, we will look again at the situation before Seattle.”
He also said the relocation of Iran’s base from Tucson to Tijuana reduced overall travel strain, particularly for West Coast fixtures. According to him, the change already improved timing and distance between matches.
Giuliani defended the broader framework, including visa decisions that have sparked additional criticism. He said all players and coaches received entry clearance, while several team officials did not, due to security-related concerns.
Some officials, he said, failed to meet requirements after background checks flagged “derogatory information,” a decision he described as part of a wider effort to balance access with security.
The US, which co-hosts the tournament with Mexico and Canada, insists its priority remains both safety and smooth operations. Giuliani said authorities coordinate closely with intelligence services.
He added that no credible threats have emerged so far, despite heightened monitoring across venues.
“Security teams maintain constant review, but we have no confirmed threat at this stage,” he said.
The task force official also pointed to what he described as a strong opening phase of the tournament, with attention largely fixed on matches rather than off-field disputes. Games have taken place across several US cities, including Los Angeles, Seattle and Houston.
Giuliani described the event as a major national moment, linked to broader celebrations ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary.
“The tournament runs well so far,” he said. “The focus remains on the football, and that is what matters most.”
