The White House is considering easing restrictions on Iran's national team, Egypt's opponent in the 2026 World Cup, and their travel to the United States.
Iran is permitted to fly to the United States, which is co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico, one day before its match, and must leave the country the same day according to the terms of its visas. The
Iranian national team was preparing to file a complaint with FIFA regarding what it described as restrictions imposed on the team during the World Cup.
The White House is in discussions regarding the travel restrictions on the Iranian team.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House World Cup task force, told the BBC: "There are ongoing discussions about their travel arrangements to and from their third group match, which will be in Seattle against Egypt on June 27."
He added: "It makes sense for the team to adhere to the travel restrictions for their first two matches in Los Angeles, which is a 30-minute flight away. However, given that the flight to Seattle will take up to three hours, they are in discussions to make changes."
Giuliani concluded: "I know the president wants to be able to achieve a competitive balance on the field while making sure that we do not jeopardize our national security. We want to ensure that the Iranian team has the opportunity to participate and compete. What we have provided to the Iranian team has been amazing, and that is thanks to President Trump."
