DALLAS — In a move described as a "goodwill gesture," Andrew Giuliani, appointed by President Donald Trump to oversee the 2026 World Cup arrangements, has advocated for the early U.S. entry of the Iranian national team, a day before their scheduled matches.

Giuliani, speaking from Dallas, emphasized, “We want them to be able to compete. Allowing them entry just a day before the match is a gesture of goodwill to the Iranian team.” He confirmed that visas had been issued to 31 players and the team's coaching staff, ensuring their participation wouldn’t compromise the team's integrity.

This development follows remarks from Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, who suggested that Iran's participation should be viewed positively as both nations gradually progress towards resolving their ongoing conflict that erupted in late February.

The Iranian team is set to travel from Tijuana, Mexico — where they relocated their pre-tournament training from Tucson, Arizona, due to the escalating U.S.-Iran tensions. Giuliani highlighted that moving the team’s base to Tijuana was the "best solution for all parties involved," citing the proximity to World Cup host cities like Los Angeles and Seattle.

The involvement of the highest levels of the U.S. government and coordination with FIFA was pivotal in this decision, according to Giuliani. He also hinted at the potential high stakes, noting that a politically charged match could occur if both the U.S. and Iran finish second in their groups, leading to a face-off on July 3 in Dallas.

While Giuliani defended President Trump's recent military actions against Iran, he also portrayed the World Cup as a chance for sports to bridge diplomatic divides. “This is a great moment for freedom-loving Iranians and Iranian Americans to celebrate their soccer team’s presence in the United States,” he said. Giuliani views the event as an opportunity for “sports diplomacy” to unfold, potentially easing tensions and fostering dialogue through the universal language of sports.