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The United States has relaxed travel restrictions on Iran’s national team ahead of its third World Cup group match, allowing the squad to arrive in Seattle two days before their fixture against Egypt on June 26.
The move was confirmed on Tuesday by the US Department of Homeland Security, following complaints from Iranian officials that the team had previously been allowed into host cities only a day before kick-off and required to depart shortly after matches.
A spokesperson for the department said the Iranian team had been granted permission to enter the United States two days before the Seattle match, although the delegation would still be required to leave on the day the game concludes.
The official added that broader security arrangements and tournament protocols remain unchanged, stressing that authorities remain focused on ensuring the safety of players, staff and supporters throughout the competition.
Iran team officials complained they could only arrive for matches in Los Angeles one day before kick-off, and had to leave almost as soon as the match was over.
“For the Iranian team’s third match in Seattle on June 26, the team has been permitted to come into the US two days before the match,” a department spokesperson said.
“The Iran team will still be required to leave the day the match ends. The overall security measures and protocol are the same. We remain committed to providing the safest tournament possible for players, staff, and fans alike.”
An Iranian team spokesperson also confirmed that the squad would depart its base in Tijuana, Mexico, on Wednesday ahead of Friday’s encounter with Egypt.
Iran have opened their World Cup campaign with back-to-back draws, holding New Zealand to a 2-2 draw before earning a goalless result against a 10-man Belgium side.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei praised his players for securing the results under what he described as difficult circumstances.
The coach had earlier referred to Iran as “the most oppressed team at the World Cup.“
Under the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) regulations, teams typically arrive in host cities a day before matches, although provisions exist for earlier arrivals in exceptional circumstances.
Iran’s preparations for the tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, were overshadowed by off-field challenges.
The conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel earlier this year cast uncertainty over the team’s participation, while visa restrictions reportedly prevented several members of the Iranian support staff from travelling.
The team had initially planned to establish its World Cup base camp in Arizona before relocating to Tijuana shortly before the tournament began.
