U.S. Eases Iran Team Travel Restrictions Ahead of Seattle World Cup Match

The United States has relaxed travel restrictions for Iran’s national soccer team ahead of its upcoming FIFA World Cup match in Seattle, allowing the squad to enter the country two days before kickoff instead of just one day in advance.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Iranian team has been granted permission to arrive in the United States on June 24 for its June 26 World Cup fixture in Seattle. Previously, Iran was only allowed to cross into the U.S. one day before each match, a policy that drew criticism from team officials.

A DHS spokesperson confirmed the change on Tuesday, stating that while Iran will now be permitted an additional day in the country before the match, the team must still depart on the same day the game concludes. The agency added that all other security protocols and tournament measures remain unchanged.

The travel restrictions have been a source of frustration for the Iranian squad throughout the tournament. Iran has been operating from its base in Tijuana, Mexico, and has been required to commute to the United States shortly before matches. Last week, Iranian officials indicated they were considering filing a complaint with FIFA over the limitations, arguing that the arrangements placed the team at a disadvantage.

Iran’s head coach previously described his squad as “the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup,” highlighting the logistical challenges created by the travel policy.

The restrictions come amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran following a nearly four-month conflict. In March, U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran would be welcome to participate in the World Cup but suggested it was not appropriate for the team to remain in the United States between matches, citing concerns related to safety and security.

FIFA and representatives of the Iranian national team had not publicly commented on the updated travel arrangements at the time of publication.