U.S. Maintains Travel Restrictions on Iran Soccer Team Ahead of Belgium Match

The United States will not relax the travel restrictions imposed on Iran's national soccer team for its World Cup matches in Los Angeles and Seattle, the tournament’s co-host official confirmed. Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the tournament, told Reuters that the original plan – limiting the team’s travel to venues within 24 hours of each fixture and requiring a return to the training base in Tijuana, Mexico, after each game – remains in effect.

Iran’s coach Amir Ghalenoei complained that the restrictions prevent the squad from staying overnight in California to recover after the opening match against New Zealand. The team left the United States shortly after the game ended at 8 p.m. local time and returned to its Mexican base within a few hours, prompting criticism of the visa handling.

The United States Department of State said it had resolved a visa issue for winger Mehdi Torabi, who received a new multiple-entry visa after his original entry visa expired following the first match.

Giuliani said the same protocol will apply to Iran’s upcoming group game against Belgium on Sunday, with the team scheduled to arrive in Los Angeles about 24 hours before kickoff. He added that the situation is “dynamic” and that officials will discuss arrangements for Iran’s third match against Egypt in Seattle.

“The shift from Tucson to Tijuana reduced travel time to Los Angeles,” Giuliani said, noting that all players and coaches have received visas while some officials have not, citing “derogatory information” on those individuals. He emphasized that U.S. authorities are monitoring security, stating that no credible threats have been identified.

Giuliani concluded that the tournament is proceeding as planned and praised the quality of play on the field.