Department of Homeland Security Grants Iran Earlier Entry to US for World Cup Match The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that Iran will be permitted to enter the United States 48 hours before their World Cup match against Egypt on June 26. This decision comes after the Iranian team, known as Team Melli, expressed frustration over previous travel restrictions that limited their ability to prepare adequately for the tournament. Iran had been training in Mexico and were initially only allowed to enter the U.S. 24 hours before their first two matches, a schedule that the team criticized as overly restrictive. The team had planned to formally complain to FIFA about the logistical challenges imposed by the World Cup organizers. On Tuesday, the DHS clarified that the Iranian squad would now be granted a two-day window to travel to Seattle for their game against Egypt, arriving two days before kick-off and departing the same day as the match concludes. A DHS spokesperson told NBC that the adjustment was made to ensure the team could prepare properly while maintaining security protocols. The statement emphasized that the focus remained on ensuring safety around stadiums, training sites, and other facilities, rather than on the match itself. However, the revised schedule still leaves the team with limited time for recovery after their matches, which could impact their performance. Iran’s head coach, Amir Ghalenoei, criticized the travel restrictions during a press conference following their Group G opener against New Zealand. He described the team as the “most oppressed” at the tournament, citing the logistical challenges as a significant disadvantage.#iran #department_of_homeland_security #amir_ghalenoei #mehdi_taremi #team_melli
