The United States has agreed to ease travel restrictions imposed on the Iranian national football team during the World Cup, allowing them to arrive in Seattle two days before their final group-stage match against Egypt. The change was confirmed by the US Department of Homeland Security.
Previous restrictions caused complaints
Iran team officials had previously complained that they were only permitted to arrive in Los Angeles for matches one day before kick-off and were required to leave almost immediately after the match concluded. This tight schedule left little time for preparation and recovery.
Under the revised arrangement, the Iranian team will now be allowed to travel to Seattle two days before the match on June 26, providing them with an additional day to prepare. However, they must still depart the United States on the same day the match ends.
“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.”
Team to depart from Tijuana
An Iranian team spokesperson confirmed to AFP that the squad will leave Tijuana, the Mexican city where they have been based, on Wednesday, ahead of the match against Egypt on Friday. The team has been training in Mexico during the tournament.
Iran, known as Team Melli, has performed well in the tournament so far. They drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their first game on June 15 and held a 10-man Belgium to a 0-0 draw on Sunday. These results have kept their hopes of advancing alive heading into the final group match.
Coach praises squad under difficult conditions
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei praised his squad for managing two ties in what he described as trying conditions. He has previously stated that Iran is the “most oppressed team in the World Cup,” referencing the travel restrictions and other challenges they have faced.
Several teams in this World Cup have arrived in their host city the day before their match, which is standard procedure under FIFA regulations. However, FIFA rules do allow for arrival two days in advance “in exceptional cases.” The US decision to accommodate Iran appears to be a response to the team's complaints and the unique circumstances surrounding their participation.
The match against Egypt is crucial for Iran's chances of progressing to the knockout stage. A win would likely secure their place, while a draw or loss could see them eliminated depending on other results. The additional preparation time in Seattle may provide a slight advantage for the Iranian squad.
