Iran will be allowed into the U.S. two days before their World Cup match against Egypt in Seattle, easing earlier travel restrictions.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will ease travel restrictions on Iran’s national team before their final Group G match against Egypt at the 2026 World Cup, the Associated Press reported on Tuesday.
Iran will be allowed to travel from their base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, to Seattle two days before facing Egypt. The team will still be required to leave the United States after the match.
The decision marks a change from Iran’s first two group matches in Los Angeles, when the squad was allowed to enter the United States only one day before each game.
Iran had complained about the restrictions, saying they affected preparation, recovery and logistical planning during the tournament. Several members of the team’s staff had also been barred from entering the United States.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, said that U.S. officials reviewed Iran’s first two movements and decided to grant an extra day before the Egypt match because of the longer travel distance to Seattle.
Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their opening match before drawing 0-0 with Belgium. They face Egypt needing a win to guarantee qualification for the knockout stage.
Egypt lead Group G with four points after drawing 1-1 with Belgium and beating New Zealand 3-1. Iran and Belgium have two points each, while New Zealand have one.