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.

Overview

• Bill: HRES 1353
• Session: 119
• Title: 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.
• Type: House resolution (expressing sense of the House)
  
• Introduced / Action: Submitted in the House and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on June 9, 2026.
• Sponsors: Multiple co-sponsors including Sheri Biggs, G. T. Thompson, Pat Harrigan, Greg Steube, Randy Fine, Max Miller, Don Bacon, Eli Crane, Cory Mills, and Mike Bost.

Purpose and Intent

• The primary aim is to express U.S. House support for the Department of State’s efforts to ensure that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) does not embed itself within the Iranian national football delegation during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• It also expresses a preference or demand to limit the Iranian delegation’s time in the United States to only what is necessary for scheduled match play, effectively aiming to minimize broad or extended presence in the U.S. beyond competition-related activities.

Key Provisions and Provisions/Changes

• Declaratory/expressive language: The resolution communicates the sense of the House in support of diplomatic and security measures to prevent IRGC influence or access within the Iranian football delegation.
• Timing and presence: It calls for limiting the delegation’s stay in the United States to the minimum required for participation in scheduled World Cup matches (e.g., arrival for pre-match activities, match days, and departure), rather than allowing broader sightseeing, events, or extended stays.
• Support for State Department efforts: It reiterates backing for U.S. government actions and policies designed to monitor, restrict, or counter IRGC involvement within foreign delegations during the event.
• Non-binding: As a House resolution expressing the sense of Congress, it does not create new legal mandates or funding; it is a statement of congressional opinion intended to influence policy posture or signal priorities.

Who/What Would Be Affected

• International guests: The Iranian national football delegation participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and any IRGC-related influence or presence within that delegation, as targeted by the resolution.
• U.S. security and diplomatic posture: Signals support for enhanced screening, restrictions, or coordination by the Department of State and related agencies to manage delegation access and presence in the U.S. during the event.
• House members and committees: The Judiciary Committee (to which the bill was referred) would review or consider the resolution, with potential broader messaging from Congress.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

• Introduction and referral: The resolution was submitted in the House and referred to the Judiciary Committee on June 9, 2026.
• Status: As of the action history provided, the next steps would involve committee consideration, potential amendments, and a floor vote to adopt the resolution if advanced.

Potential Impact and Considerations

• Symbolic importance: Establishes congressional endorsement of U.S. diplomatic and security objectives regarding IRGC influence and delegation access during a major international sporting event.
• Policy signaling: May influence how U.S. agencies coordinate with FIFA, authorities overseeing security at events, and host nation/partners on screening and access controls for foreign delegations.
• Legal effect: Does not establish binding statutory requirements or allocate funds; any practical changes would depend on executive branch implementation and related administrative procedures.