The United States has granted the Iranian national football team permission to enter the country two days before their third match in the 2026 World Cup, a move that comes despite long‑standing travel restrictions on the Iranian delegation.
The tournament, co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, places Iran in a group that includes games in Los Angeles, Seattle and, should they advance, Dallas. Initial policy allowed entry only on the day of each match, but logistical hurdles — most notably the absence of direct flights between Tijuana, where the team is based, and Seattle — prompted a revision.
A diplomatic breakthrough for a high‑stakes encounter
Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House World Cup Task Force, explained that Iranian players were previously permitted to cross the border just one day before their first two matches in Los Angeles. For the Seattle fixture, the window has been extended, allowing the team to arrive earlier and mitigate the lack of direct connections.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the early entry applies to the Iran‑Egypt match scheduled for Friday, June 26, and emphasized that all security protocols remain in force. The United States is committed to hosting the competition safely for players, officials and fans alike.
The relaxation of travel rules does not alter the requirement that the Iranian squad must depart the United States on the same day the match concludes. Officials noted that other security measures and enforced protocols have not changed.
The decision follows a series of adjustments to Iran’s preparation schedule. Weeks before the World Cup began, the team relocated its training camp from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, after visa complications prevented several members of the Iranian Football Federation’s staff from obtaining entry.
Should Iran finish as runners‑up in their group, their next opponent will be based in Dallas, adding another layer of strategic importance to the upcoming Seattle match. The early entry, therefore, represents both a logistical and symbolic step forward for a team navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.