The US Department of Homeland Security has partially eased travel restrictions on Iran’s national football team during the ongoing World Cup. Under the new decision, the Iranian squad is allowed to enter the United States two days before their final group-stage match against Egypt. However, the team must leave the country immediately after the match on Saturday morning. Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA Taskforce, said the move was preplanned and aimed at reducing travel fatigue after observing the team’s earlier travel arrangements.

Iran had previously expressed frustration over strict travel limits that allowed entry only one day before matches, hindering player fitness and adaptation. Due to regional conflict, the team faced administrative and logistical challenges, including relocating its base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico. Several support staff and federation officials were also denied US visas. Following the new decision, the team departed Tijuana for Seattle.

Iran currently sits second in Group G with two points from two draws and will face Egypt in a decisive match for a knockout-stage berth.