U.S. officials held up the Iranian delegation that was bound for Seattle to play Egypt in the World Cup, keeping forward Mehdi Taremi and assistant coach Saeed Alhoei waiting at the border.
Travel friction surfaces
The delay reflects a broader pattern of friction that has accompanied Iran's preparation for the tournament, a pattern that was amplified after the team’s base in Tijuana, Mexico, drew criticism from head coach Amir Ghalenoei.
Coach Ghalenoei publicly voiced concerns about unfair travel arrangements and the physical toll of repeated cross‑border moves, saying the squad was fatigued and the schedule inequitable.
U.S. authorities later signaled a willingness to relax the entry rules, allowing the Iranian party greater flexibility as they approached the match in Seattle, a concession that came after earlier complaints about strict entry protocols.
The episode underscores how geopolitical tensions can shape even the logistics of sport, with Washington and Tehran’s strained relationship adding a layer of political sensitivity to Iran’s World Cup campaign.