The United States eased restrictions on the Iran squad’s travel arrangements at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday, allowing them to travel two days before their next match, the US Department of Homeland Security said.
The Iranian team were previously only allowed to enter the US a day before a match, a move that led the coach to say Iran were “the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup.” “For the Iranian team’s third match in Seattle on June 26, the team has been permitted to come into the U.S. two days before the match,” a DHS spokesperson said.
The overall security measures and protocol are the same.
We remain committed to providing the safest tournament possible for players, staff, and fans alike.” More from Football Cristiano Ronaldo ignores Lionel Messi question, labels another 'pointless' after Portugal win: WATCH England's Djed Spence skips handshake with rape-accused Thomas Partey of Ghana: Watch FIFA and the Iranian team did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Iran expressed intent last week to lodge a complaint with soccer’s world governing body FIFA over the travel restrictions the team have been facing, commuting from their tournament base in Tijuana, Mexico, the day ahead of their games in the United States.
The restrictions come amid high tensions between Washington and Tehran following a nearly four-month war.
In March, US President Donald Trump said while Iran were welcome to participate in the tournament, he believed it was not appropriate that they remain there between matches “for their own life and safety.” Quick Reads View All No Fifa World Cup 2026 for Indian football fans?
