The U.S. has eased sanctions on Iran's national team for the 2026 World Cup

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has decided to relax the strict residency requirements for the Iranian national soccer team, which is participating in the 2026 World Cup. From now on, the team is allowed to arrive in U.S. cities two days before the start of their next match, rather than one day. 

Under the previous regulations, Iranian soccer players were only allowed to enter the United States one day before a game and were required to leave the country immediately after the final whistle. 

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the relevant White House working group, explained the compromise by noting that the athletes’ previous visits had gone smoothly and without incident. According to the Iranian Football Federation, the team is already preparing to depart from its temporary camp in Tijuana, Mexico, for Seattle. These logistical developments are taking place against the backdrop of a broader diplomatic process and direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran aimed at resolving the armed conflict in the Islamic Republic.

This was reported by the Associated Press, citing official government sources and White House representatives.

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