White House World Cup task force executive director Andrew Giuliani strongly defended the United States' strict travel and visa measures imposed on the Iranian national football team during a heated live broadcast on July 3, 2026.
The confrontation arose after U. S.
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Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin publicly celebrated Iran's group-stage elimination following their 1-1 draw with Egypt, which sparked formal accusations of mistreatment from the Iranian Football Federation.
During a tense interview on talkSPORT with broadcasters Jim White and Simon Jordan, Giuliani countered criticisms regarding the intense logistics forced upon the Iranian squad, who chose to base themselves in Tijuana, Mexico, after several backroom staff members were denied U.
S. entry visas amid ongoing Middle East conflicts.
"Can I ask you a question first? Do you take the Iranian's word, or do you take it with a grain of salt?"
asked Giuliani.
The task force chief explained that the American government offered alternative arrangements within the country that were ultimately rejected by the traveling contingent.
"It was the Iranian's decision to be based in Tijuana.
They were based in Tucson, Arizona, and we made it very clear they could come into the country five days before the match," stated Giuliani.
Because the team established their camp across the border, border security officials had to conduct strict clearance protocols before flights departed for matches in California.
"And they decided instead to base in Tijuana.
