White House officials are reviewing the strict travel limits placed on Iran’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. Iran currently flies into the United States a day before each match and must depart the same day, a rule that left coach Amir Ghalenoei calling his side the “most oppressed” team after a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in Los Angeles for the tournament.

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House World Cup task force, told Seattle station KOMO that discussions are under way to relax the timing for Iran’s third group game in Seattle against Egypt on 27 June for the squad. The team is based in Mexico; the first two fixtures required only a 30‑minute flight to Los Angeles, but the Seattle leg involves a three‑hour journey.

The Football Federation of Iran has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, arguing that the restrictions breach the principle of equal conditions and hamper technical preparation. Iran’s next match versus Belgium in Inglewood at the venue on Sunday will test whether any adjustment materialises. White House discussions remain confidential, but the pressure to balance security with competitive fairness is mounting.