HRES-1353-119
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Sponsored by W. Steube (R-FL)
What it does
This resolution would express the House of Representatives' support for the Department of State's efforts to prevent members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from traveling to the United States embedded within Iran's national soccer delegation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It would also express support for limiting the Iranian delegation's time in the United States to only what is necessary for their scheduled matches. As a "sense of the House" resolution, it would not create binding law, impose new legal requirements, or appropriate funds.
Who benefits
U.S. national security agencies and the Department of State, whose existing visa-screening and IRGC-exclusion efforts would receive formal congressional backing. Iranian dissidents and human rights advocates who oppose the IRGC's presence on U.S. soil. American communities hosting World Cup events who may feel reassured by heightened scrutiny of the delegation. FIFA and tournament organizers who may benefit from clearer U.S. government policy signals regarding the delegation's entry.
Who is hurt
Iranian soccer players, coaches, and legitimate team staff who may face additional visa scrutiny or delays as a result of heightened attention on their delegation. Iranian-American communities who may wish to attend matches involving Iran's national team and could face a chilling effect if the delegation's access is restricted. Iran's national soccer federation, which could face logistical complications if delegation size or travel windows are curtailed. Potentially, FIFA, which has contractual obligations to participating nations and could face complications if a member delegation's access is significantly restricted.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that the IRGC is a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization, and allowing its members to enter the country under the cover of a sporting delegation would pose a direct national security risk. They contend that Congress has a responsibility to signal clear, unified support for the State Department's visa-screening efforts, and that this resolution provides that political backing without creating new legal burdens. They further argue that limiting the delegation's U.S. presence to match days is a proportionate, targeted measure that allows Iran to compete while minimizing potential intelligence or security threats on American soil.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that a non-binding sense-of-the-House resolution adds no legal authority and may instead create diplomatic friction that complicates the State Department's ability to manage the situation through established, quieter channels. They contend that singling out one nation's delegation for explicit congressional scrutiny could be seen as politically motivated and may expose the U.S. to accusations of violating FIFA's non-discrimination statutes, potentially jeopardizing the country's hosting rights. They further argue that broad delegation restrictions could sweep in athletes and support staff who have no IRGC affiliation, raising due process concerns for individuals denied entry without individualized review.