Iran receives major travel relief from US before must-win FIFA World Cup match

The Iranian team will still need to leave shortly after the game, as the overall security measures and protocols remain the same.

Updated on: Jun 24, 2026, 08:38:18 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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The US has eased its restrictions on the Iranian national football team and has granted the Asian side an extra day to prepare for its upcoming FIFA World Cup match, according to a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson. Iran's upcoming match will be held in Seattle on Friday, and the team has been allowed to come into the US two days before the match.

Iran face Egypt in their final group stage game. (Getty Images via AFP)

The team will still need to leave shortly after the game, as the overall security measures and protocols remain the same.

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"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.”

Earlier, the Iranian team was informed that it could arrive 24 hours before each of its first two matches. Their training base is in Tijuana, Mexico. After Iran's opening game against New Zealand, head coach Amir Ghalenoei claimed that his side was the 'most oppressed team' at the tournament.

Meanwhile, the federation has also maintained that it planned to file a complaint with FIFA over its travel restrictions.

Iran's Alireza Jahanbaksh said recently, "We don't ask for much. We just ask for the same procedure as for all the other 47 teams."

"Hopefully we can bring everyone who is involved and help us with us."

Iran faces Egypt in its final group-stage game. Meanwhile, Egypt's plans to travel directly from Vancouver to Seattle were turned down by local authorities, according to reports.

"The security authorities refused the team's request to stay in the city of Seattle as planned after the New Zealand match in the World Cup, and therefore the team's delegation will return to the city of Spokane," a statement by the Egyptian FA claimed.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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