Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated on June 21, 2026, that an individual with direct ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attempted to enter the United States with the Iranian soccer team, which was traveling for the World Cup. Mullin reported that the individual, posing as the soccer federation president, was denied boarding on a flight to the U.S. on June 20, 2026.
The Iranian soccer team, based in Tijuana, Mexico, is allowed to travel to the U.S. the day before its scheduled World Cup matches. The team had requested to arrive two days prior to its match against Belgium in Los Angeles, but this request was denied despite prior submission of their preparation schedule.
Due to existing travel restrictions, which require the team to leave the U.S. the evening after matches, the Iranian soccer federation has filed a complaint with FIFA, claiming these restrictions hinder players' adaptation to the local environment. Mullin mentioned he has had discussions with FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding these travel restrictions but did not provide further details.
The travel restrictions are linked to the U.S.-Iran conflict, which has seen a temporary halt as both nations engage in peace negotiations in Switzerland. The U.S. State Department has committed to preventing individuals with IRGC ties from entering the country. The Iranian soccer team is scheduled to travel to Seattle for a match against Egypt later this week.