Andrew Giuliani Defends US Handling of Iran Team, Says 'It Was Their Choice to Base in Mexico'
Andrew Giuliani said the team’s Tijuana base and eased entry rules helped ensure fair play and smooth cross-border travel.
- Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House Task Force, defended U.S. visa restrictions on Wednesday, calling Iran's decision to base themselves in Tijuana, Mexico, "mutually beneficial" for all parties involved.
- Visa uncertainty prompted the Iranian Football Federation to negotiate a last-minute move from Arizona to Mexico, after the U.S. awarded players visas just 10 days before their first match while denying entry to "key managerial and administrative members."
- Coach Amir Ghalenoei initially called his squad the "most oppressed team" after restrictions limited U.S. entry to one day before matches, though Giuliani later eased rules to two days for the Seattle game.
- Following their group-stage elimination, the team thanked the people of Tijuana for their hospitality, noting that Mexico had become "our second home and our second team" during their stay.
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated her government agreed to host the team, while Giuliani added the restrictions ensured no individuals with connections to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps entered the U.S. during the World Cup.
28 Articles
28 Articles
White House breaks silence on explosive Iran World Cup visa row
Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, said the cross-border logistics worked smoothly for all parties despite Iran's complaints during the group stage
Top White House official defends handling of Iran at FIFA World Cup 2026
The White House has defended its handling of Iran’s visa restrictions during the World Cup, with top official Andrew Giuliani saying the team’s decision to base themselves in Tijuana, Mexico, instead of Tucson was mutually beneficial.
aninews.in
FIFA World Cup 2026: White House defends handling of Iran visas, travel arrangments
Iran ended their WC campaign with a third-place in Group G, with three draws in three games against Egypt, Belgium and New Zealand, including a brave goalless draw against Belgium, one of the strongest sides of the tournament. Iran's WC campaign was also marked by a lot of controversies.
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