Iran Allowed Earlier Arrival Ahead of Final Game
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that Iran’s national soccer team will be permitted to arrive in Seattle two days before its final World Cup group-stage match against Egypt.
According to Politico, Iran will travel from its base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, on Wednesday, June 24. A DHS spokesperson stated that the decision does not reflect any change in tournament security procedures.
“The overall security measures and protocol are the same,” the spokesperson said. “We remain committed to providing the safest tournament possible for players, staff, and fans alike.”
Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei and his players have repeatedly expressed frustration over travel restrictions that they believe have hindered the team’s preparation. Iran arrived in Los Angeles only about 24 hours before its opening match and roughly 16 hours before its second game. Following both matches, the team immediately departed the United States.
Speaking before Iran’s second match, Ghalenoei said he had been informed that the restrictions would be eased for the team’s final group-stage fixture in Seattle.
“It appears they’re allowing us to go to Seattle earlier. I only wish they’d allowed us to come earlier for the first two games,” Ghalenoei said through a translator. “We are very hopeful because we heard we can go to Seattle two days earlier.”
The coach also criticized the previous arrangements, describing them as unfair and expressing hope that similar situations would not occur in the future.
Unlike other teams, which have generally chosen their own travel schedules, Iran’s movements have been subject to additional restrictions due to ongoing political tensions between the Iranian government and the United States.
The challenges facing Team Melli have extended beyond travel logistics. The team was forced to relocate its planned base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, shortly before the tournament. Several members of the Iranian delegation, including the federation president, reportedly were denied visas. In addition, a ticket allocation intended for Iranian supporters was canceled, and players’ family members have been unable to attend matches in person.
Midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi highlighted the disparity before Iran’s match against Belgium.
“You cannot deny that our situation has not been the same as all the other teams,” he said.
The decision to allow Iran to arrive in Seattle earlier may provide the squad with additional preparation time as it seeks a positive result in its final group-stage encounter.
