The United States has quietly relaxed a politically charged travel restriction for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Iran's national soccer team, Team Melli, will now be allowed to enter the U.S. two days before their final group-stage match against Egypt, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed on June 23, 2026.
For earlier U.S.-hosted matches, the squad had been limited to roughly 24-hour or same-day entries, making normal pre-match preparation impossible. The team has been based in Tijuana, Mexico, just across the border from San Diego, and had planned to set up a training camp inside the U.S. until those plans were blocked.
The new adjustment allows arrival on June 24 for the June 26 fixture in Seattle. Security protocols and additional screening remain in place, but the extra time gives the team a functional window for a proper training session, venue familiarization, and recovery. It is still far more restrictive than the weeks-long stays enjoyed by most other participating nations, and Iran had intended to file a formal complaint with FIFA over the treatment.
The Egypt match is critical for both squads' tournament survival.