The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on Tuesday that it has modified the travel timeline for Iran's national soccer team competing at the World Cup, permitting the squad to arrive two days before their third match in Seattle on June 26. Previously, the team was allowed to enter the country only one day ahead of their fixtures, a restriction that prompted criticism from Iran's coach, who called his side "the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup."
A DHS spokesperson provided the updated guidance, saying: "For the Iranian team's third match in Seattle on June 26, the team has been permitted to come into the U.S. two days before the match." The spokesperson emphasised that, despite the change in arrival timing, the team will be required to depart the U.S. the day the match concludes. "The overall security measures and protocol are the same," the DHS statement said, adding that authorities remain focused on delivering "the safest tournament possible for players, staff, and fans alike."
The revised allowance follows complaints from the Iranian side about their travel arrangements. Iran had been commuting from their tournament base in Tijuana, Mexico, entering the United States the day before their games on U.S. soil. Iranian officials indicated last week that they intended to lodge a formal complaint with FIFA about the restrictions on their movement.
Requests for comment to FIFA and to the Iranian team were not immediately answered, according to the DHS statement. The travel constraints occur against a backdrop of intensified diplomatic strain: the measures come amid high tensions between Washington and Tehran following a nearly four-month war. In March, U.S. President Donald Trump said that while Iran were welcome to participate in the tournament, he did not think it appropriate for them to remain in the United States between matches "for their own life and safety."
The DHS clarification leaves the core operational parameters unchanged - the team gains an additional day in-country before the Seattle match, but must still exit the United States on the same day the match ends. Officials framed the decision as an adjustment within an established security framework, rather than a change to overall protective protocols.
As of the DHS announcement, it remains unclear how FIFA will respond to Iran's stated intention to file a complaint, and whether any further adjustments to the team's travel arrangements will follow. For now, the department's message highlights a balance between accommodation for scheduling logistics and maintenance of security procedures for the tournament.