Goodman: Time for the U.S. to lighten up on Iran soccer

This is an opinion column.

Athletes love to rely on the "us-against-the-world" narrative to fuel their competitive fire. We saw it when former Alabama defensive lineman Tim Keenan rallied the Crimson Tide before the Rose Bowl, famously declaring, "We all we got, we all we need."

As it turns out, that mindset wasn't quite enough to save Alabama from a 38-3 thrashing at the hands of Indiana in the College Football Playoff. But while that classic sports cliché often feels hyperbolic, the 2026 World Cup has introduced a team that is living out the mantra in a very literal sense: Iran.

A Global Pariah at the World Cup?

I have my own reservations about Iran competing in this tournament, but the current logistical hurdles placed on the team by the U.S. government feel excessive. If FIFA and the United States are going to permit Iran’s presence, the constant interference with their ability to prepare and exist on American soil feels both unfair and counterproductive.

Following a 2-2 draw against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium on Monday—a result that served as a massive boost for the lowest-ranked team in the field—Iran's frustrations boiled over. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei described his squad as the "most oppressed" team in the tournament, a claim underscored by the unique restrictions imposed by the Trump Administration.

Logistical Chaos

The Iranian team has been subjected to a series of disruptive mandates. After being forced to relocate their basecamp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, the team is now reportedly being compelled to exit the country immediately following every match. This travel burden, which included an arduous five-hour security-delayed flight for their game in Los Angeles, has left players like Mehdi Taremi describing their experience as "a disaster."

The United States is currently at war with the Islamic Republic of Iran, but targeting the national soccer team with competitive disadvantages only serves to delegitimize the tournament. If the team represents a genuine national security threat, they should not be here. If they are cleared to play, they deserve the basic hospitality extended to all participants.

What’s Next

Iran faces Egypt at 10 p.m. this Friday in Seattle. The city has designated the contest as an official LGBTQ “Pride Match,” adding another layer of tension to an already complex situation. Given the current ceasefire, the Trump Administration should afford the team the space and stability needed to compete. Anything less only distracts from the sport we all came here to watch.

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