BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA
The United States says it will continue reviewing travel arrangements for Iran’s national football team during the FIFA World Cup while maintaining the existing security plan for now, despite growing complaints from Iranian officials over restrictions they describe as unfair and disruptive to the team’s tournament preparations.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force overseeing the World Cup, said the current travel schedule remains in effect but emphasized that authorities will continue evaluating the situation as the competition progresses. His comments came after the Iranian Football Federation indicated it would file a formal complaint with FIFA over travel rules that it believes place the team at a competitive disadvantage.
Iranian officials have objected to regulations requiring the squad to travel to match venues only within 24 hours before kickoff and return immediately after each game to its training base in Tijuana, Mexico. Team officials argue that the repeated travel schedule limits recovery time, complicates preparations, and creates additional physical and logistical challenges compared with other participating nations.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed frustration over the arrangements, saying his players had faced unique obstacles throughout the tournament and describing Iran as “the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup.” The coach suggested the restrictions had made it more difficult for his squad to prepare for matches at a tournament where every detail can influence performance.
Despite those concerns, U.S. officials insist that the current plan remains appropriate while acknowledging that future adjustments are still possible.
Giuliani explained that Iran would return to its training base in Tijuana following Sunday’s match against Belgium in Los Angeles before officials assess whether any modifications are needed ahead of the team’s third group-stage match against Egypt in Seattle on Friday.
“The situation is dynamic,” Giuliani said, adding that discussions regarding future travel arrangements would take place after Iran’s second match. He stressed that tournament organizers remain flexible and are prepared to evaluate operational requirements as the competition continues.
The White House official defended the decision made before the tournament to relocate Iran’s training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, saying the move had significantly reduced travel times and simplified logistics.
According to Giuliani, the relocation shortened the flight to Los Angeles by approximately one hour, making travel more manageable for the team. He said organizers were satisfied with how the arrangements worked during Iran’s opening match and viewed the revised training location as an improvement over the original plan.
The travel dispute comes amid heightened security surrounding the tournament, particularly involving teams from regions experiencing political tensions. U.S. officials have repeatedly emphasized that security considerations remain the highest priority while attempting to ensure participating teams can compete under fair conditions.
Giuliani also addressed questions regarding visas issued to members of the Iranian delegation. He confirmed that all Iranian players and coaching staff had successfully received permission to enter the United States and participate in the tournament.
However, he acknowledged that several team officials had not been granted visas after security reviews uncovered information that required additional scrutiny. He said those decisions reflected the government’s responsibility to balance hosting a major international sporting event with protecting national security.
“Our responsibility is to strike the right balance,” Giuliani said, explaining that security evaluations remain an essential part of the visa process for all international visitors connected to the tournament.
He stressed that the United States is committed to providing a safe environment not only for American citizens but also for the hundreds of thousands of international visitors expected to attend matches across the country during the World Cup.
“We want to make sure we have this incredible soccer tournament where people are welcome and enjoy the World Cup while also making sure we protect American citizens and the international visitors who have traveled here,” he said.
Although security measures remain extensive, Giuliani stated that intelligence agencies have not identified any credible threats to the tournament. He said federal authorities have significantly increased coordination and surveillance efforts since the beginning of the year, with multiple agencies maintaining continuous communication throughout the event.
Officials continue to monitor potential risks around the clock, but Giuliani emphasized that there are currently no credible security threats affecting the competition.
Beyond security, organizers have expressed satisfaction with the opening phase of the tournament. Giuliani said the first 10 days had unfolded largely according to plan, highlighting the quality of football on display and the positive atmosphere created by supporters from around the world.
He said much of the global conversation surrounding the tournament has focused on the action on the field rather than logistical or security concerns, something organizers consider a major success.
Giuliani also described the World Cup as one of the centerpiece events commemorating the United States’ 250th anniversary, calling the tournament a unique opportunity to showcase the country to millions of fans worldwide while celebrating international sport.
As Iran prepares for its remaining group-stage matches, tournament officials will continue evaluating travel arrangements in consultation with security agencies and football authorities. While the current restrictions remain unchanged, discussions are expected to continue as organizers seek to balance operational requirements, security considerations, and the sporting interests of all participating teams.
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