The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially eased travel restrictions on Iran’s national football team, allowing the squad to enter the United States two days ahead of their final World Cup group match.
The policy revision permits Team Melli to fly from their tournament base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, to Seattle on Wednesday.
For their opening two matches in Los Angeles, strict security protocols mandated that the Iranian delegation could only cross the border 24 hours prior to kickoff.
DHS confirmed that the team is still required to depart the U.S. immediately following Friday’s match.
White House FIFA Task Force Executive Director Andrew Giuliani stated the adjustment was planned to assess initial team movements before extending the entry window to accommodate the longer travel distance to the Pacific Northwest.
The rigid travel mandates follow a nearly four-month war between the U.S. and Iran.
Although U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a preliminary peace agreement via the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding on June 17, bilateral tensions and rigorous security protocols remain active across host venues.
The administrative relief follows sustained protests from the Iranian delegation regarding athletic disadvantages.
Visa issues originally forced the team to relocate its official base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Mexico, while entirely blocking several support and federation staff members from entering the U.S.
Head Coach Amir Ghalenoei condemned the logistical constraints, publicly labeling Iran “the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup.”
Winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh called for equity following Sunday’s 2–2 draw against Belgium, stating, “We don’t ask for much. We just ask for the same procedure as for all the other 47 teams.”
The Iranian Football Federation has confirmed its intent to file a formal complaint with FIFA regarding their tournament experience.
Iran faces Egypt on Friday, June 26, at the Seattle Stadium.
The match is a decisive Group G fixture, with the winner automatically advancing to the Round of 32 knockout stage.
