The Iranian national soccer team has been granted permission to travel to the United States two days before its next World Cup match in Seattle, according to a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson. This marks a further softening of the strict travel protocols initially imposed on the Iranian delegation during the tournament, which is co-hosted by the U.S.
The shift comes after Iran's first two matches in Los Angeles, where players were allowed to enter the country only one day before each game. That policy itself was a relaxation from the original rule, which would have required them to arrive on the same day as their matches. The team's World Cup base is in Tijuana, Mexico, and there are no direct flights from there to Seattle.
A DHS spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that for the June 26 match against Egypt, the Iranian team may enter the U.S. two days prior but must still depart on the day the match ends. "The overall security measures and protocol are the same," the agency said, adding that it remains committed to providing the safest tournament possible.
The U.S. government has maintained strict travel restrictions on Iranian nationals during the World Cup due to geopolitical tensions. White House FIFA Task Force executive director Andrew Giuliani told the Associated Press last week that the initial policy required same-day arrival, a stance that drew criticism from human rights groups.
Critics argue that even the eased restrictions remain overly burdensome and could hamper the team's preparation. The Iranian delegation has faced logistical challenges, including limited time for rest and acclimatization before high-stakes matches.