Iran’s national soccer team can finally pack more than a carry-on for their trip to the United States. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed on June 23 that it would ease travel restrictions for Team Melli, allowing the squad to arrive in Seattle two full days before their World Cup match against Egypt on June 26.
The previous policy was, to put it mildly, inhospitable. Teams from sanctioned nations were restricted to 24-hour travel windows, meaning they could only enter the US on the day of the match itself.
What changed and why it matters
Under the revised policy, described as “match day minus two,” Iran’s squad will depart their base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, on June 24 and arrive in Seattle with enough time to train and acclimate.
DHS confirmed that all 31 players and coaches have received US visas. Some team officials, however, remain in limbo due to outstanding background checks.
