US official defends Iran World Cup team visa denials

Iran's World Cup travel restrictions will remain in place for now, despite the team threatening to file a complaint with FIFA, according to U.S. officials.

U.S. World Cup official Andrew Giuliani said the situation remains "dynamic" and could be reviewed before Iran's final group-stage match against Egypt in Seattle.

Iran's squad continues to train in Tijuana, Mexico, flying into the U.S. for matches before returning immediately afterwards. Iran's coach Amir Ghalenoei has described his side as "the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup."

Giuliani defended the measures, saying that all players and coaches had received visas, except for a few team officials who were found to have "derogatory information on them."

Iran faces Belgium on Sunday, June 21. What do you think the outcome of the game will be? Let us know in the comments below. #worldcup2026 #mtjag

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