The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a relaxation of travel rules for Iran’s national soccer team ahead of their final World Cup group-stage match. The match against Egypt will take place in Seattle.
A DHS spokesperson stated that the team, known as ‘Team Melli,’ can enter the U.S. from their base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, two days before the match. This decision provides them with an extra day to prepare compared to prior matches.
Despite this concession, the team must still leave the U.S. immediately after the match concludes. The DHS explained that this change aims to enhance focus on pitch safety, considering ongoing diplomatic tensions and instances of visa denial for essential team personnel.
This adjustment is the latest development in a series of logistical challenges faced by the Iranian team. They have encountered multiple visa rejections, stringent border curfews, and unexpected changes in security since settling at their training camp in Mexico.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
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