Full Breakdown
U.S. Eases Travel Restrictions for Iran’s World Cup Squad Ahead of Seattle Match
6/24/2026, 1:39:39 AM
Policy Change Allows Two-Day Arrival
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that Iran’s national team may enter the United States 48 hours before its group-stage match against Egypt in Seattle, double the one-day window granted for the first two games. The squad will travel from its base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, on Wednesday and must depart the United States after the Friday match.
Background: Visa Limits and Base-Camp Relocation
Since the tournament began, heightened U.S.–Iran tensions have led to tight visa restrictions. For the opening matches in Los Angeles, Iranian players and staff were permitted to cross the border only the day before kickoff. After U.S. officials declared the team “not welcome,” the federation moved its base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, and barred several officials and support personnel from entering the United States.
Key Actors
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – U.S. agency issuing the travel policy.
- Andrew Giuliani – Executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force.
- Iran Football Federation – Governing body confirming travel logistics.
- Amir Ghalenoei – Iran’s head coach.
- Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mehdi Taremi, Saeid Ezatolahi – Players vocal about the restrictions.
- Markwayne Mullin – DHS official who referenced alleged Revolutionary Guard contacts.
- Trump administration spokesperson – Cited security concerns for the restrictions.
- Gianni Infantino – FIFA president, approached by the Iranian team after the New Zealand match.
Travel Timelines and Distances
- Previous allowance: 24 hours (first two matches).
- New allowance: 48 hours (Seattle match).
- Tijuana -> Los Angeles: 127 mi (204 km) flight took five hours, far longer than the typical short hop.
- Tijuana -> Seattle: Approximately 1,200 mi (1,930 km).
- Departure requirement: Team must leave the United States on the day the match ends.
Official U.S. Statements
DHS officials emphasized that “the overall security measures and protocol are the same” and reiterated a commitment to “providing the safest tournament possible for players, staff, and fans alike.” Andrew Giuliani explained that the extra day was a pre-planned adjustment contingent on the smooth execution of the first two movements. A Trump administration spokesperson added that the restrictions aim to keep “things safe and secure, not just around the stadiums but around base camps and training sites.”
Iranian Criticism and Claims of Unfair Treatment
Coach Ghalenoei described the travel limits as “injustice” and said the team was “robbed of all these opportunities.” Players repeatedly stressed that they “don’t ask for much” beyond the standard 48-hour arrival granted to the other 47 teams. Markwayne Mullin’s claim that Iranians “tried to get somebody… with direct ties to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard” was rejected by the Iran Football Federation as “an outright and undeniable lie.” The federation also noted that the restrictions stem from political tensions rather than FIFA regulations.
On-the-Ground Reports
Midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh said the squad hopes to “adapt to the situation in the city” and train at the University of Washington on Thursday. Captain Mehdi Taremi reported that the short Tijuana-Los Angeles flight took five hours, hampering recovery. Coach Ghalenoei, speaking through a translator after the 0-0 draw with Belgium, said, “Right now we need recovery more than anything.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Egypt’s arrival: Sources differ on whether Egypt will receive the same two-day entry permission; FIFA has not confirmed.
- Date specifics: Some reports cite travel on Wednesday, June 24, while others reference a generic “Wednesday” without a calendar date.
- Revolutionary Guard allegation: The claim by a DHS official remains unverified, with the Iranian federation denying any such contact.
- FIFA’s role: No official comment from FIFA on the policy change or the Iranian complaint lodged with the organization.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We were going to look at how the first two movements went, and if they went smoothly, we would extend the extra day in light of the longer travel time.” — Andrew Giuliani, White House FIFA Task Force
- “We don't ask for much. We just ask for the same procedure as for all the other 47 teams,” — Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Midfielder, Iran
- “Right now we need recovery more than anything,” — Amir Ghalenoei, Coach, Iran (through translator)
- “an outright and undeniable lie.” — Iran Football Federation spokesperson
- “The Iran team will still be required to leave the day the match ends. The overall security measures and protocol are the same. We remain committed to providing the safest tournament possible for players, staff, and fans alike.” — DHS spokesperson
What’s Next
Iran faces Egypt on Friday in Seattle, a match that could determine a first-ever knockout-stage appearance. The team will depart the United States immediately after the game, and officials have indicated that the current travel arrangement will remain in effect for the remainder of the group stage. Iran has signaled intent to pursue a formal complaint with FIFA regarding the travel restrictions.
