US Changes Travel Rules For Iran World Cup Squad Ahead Of Next Match In Seattle

The US on Tuesday eased travel restrictions for Iran’s World Cup squad ahead of their next match in Seattle, allowing the team additional time in the country compared with previous fixtures.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Iran’s national team will now be permitted to arrive in Seattle two days before their match, a change from the 24-hour window that had been in place for their earlier games.

A department spokesperson told NBC News that the adjustment was made to align with scheduling flexibility given to other teams in the tournament.

Changes ahead of Seattle fixture

The DHS spokesperson said the team would be allowed entry on “match day minus two,” while still being required to depart the United States on the day the match concludes.

“Ahead of the

match in Seattle on June 26, the Iranian team will be allowed to come in match day minus two, so two days before the match. They’ll be asked to leave the day that the match wraps up, so the evening of the match,” the spokesperson said, according to NBC News.

“Again, the President wants to make sure that we’re talking about what actually happens on the pitch,” the official added. “A lot of that is making sure that things are safe and secure, not just around the stadiums, but around base camps and training sites.”

The shift comes as the Iranian football federation said it was planning to lodge an official complaint with FIFA over what it described as “unequal” treatment during the competition.

Iran’s World Cup team was initially scheduled to base itself in Tucson, Arizona, before its camp was relocated to Tijuana, Mexico, following visa issues affecting members of its staff.

As a result, the squad has been required to travel in and out of the US for matches in shorter timeframes than most other participating teams, leaving them little recovery time between fixtures.

Iranian officials have argued that the arrangement has placed additional strain on players, while the team’s coach has previously described his squad as “the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup.”

Despite logistical challenges, Iran remains in contention after drawing its opening match in Los Angeles, including a second stalemate against Belgium. A victory over Egypt in Seattle on Saturday would secure progression to the next stage.

(With inputs from agencies)