June 9, 2026
Mr. Steube (for himself, Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania, Mrs. Biggs of South Carolina, Mr. Bost, Mr. Mills, Mr. Harrigan, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Fine, Mr. Miller of Ohio, and Mr. Crane) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives supporting the Department of State’s efforts to prevent the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from embedding themselves within the Iranian National Football Delegation during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and to limit the delegation’s presence in the United States to the minimum time necessary for scheduled match play.
Whereas the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is designated by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization, and has a history of utilizing diplomatic events as vehicles to gather intelligence and pursue malign activities against the United States and its allies;
Whereas the Iranian regime has previously used athletic competition as a guise for IRGC personnel to infiltrate sovereign borders, including the United States;
Whereas the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted in part by the United States, and the Iranian National Football Delegation is expected to travel to the United States for scheduled matches;
Whereas the Department of State maintains the authority to restrict the travel of foreign nationals associated with state sponsors of terrorism by whatever means they deem necessary;
Whereas it is in the national security interest of the United States to prevent IRGC operatives or persons associated with the IRGC from entering the country; and
Whereas it is likewise in the national security interest of the United States to ensure that the Iranian National Football Delegation remains in the United States only for the minimum time necessary to participate in scheduled World Cup matches: Now, therefore, be it
Sec.
That the House of Representatives—
(1)
supports the Department of State’s efforts to prevent any member, associate, or affiliate of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from embedding themselves in the Iranian National Football Delegation during the 2026 FIFA World Cup; and
(2)
supports the Department of State’s efforts to limit the Iranian National Football Delegation’s physical presence in the United States to the shortest period necessary to participate in scheduled World Cup matches.