US Eases Restrictions on Iran’s World Cup Soccer Team

Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, said the easing of restrictions was always planned if things went smoothly.

Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand hugs a teammate at the end of their World Cup match with Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., on June 21, 2026. Gregory Bull/AP

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is easing its restrictions on Iran’s World Cup soccer team, allowing the players to travel to Seattle two days before their next match.

The team will still be required to leave the United States immediately after its match against Egypt on June 26, which could be its final game of the tournament, a DHS spokesperson said on June 23.