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Iran Team Cleared for US Arrival Before Matches, Federation Questions World Cup Ticket Decision
FIFA WC: The Iranian football team participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been granted permission to arrive in the US a day before their matches. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) dismissed reports claiming that the team would be required to arrive and return on match days. Meanwhile, the Iranian Football Federation expressed displeasure over the withdrawal of ticket allocations, calling it against the spirit of the game.
The football team of Iran has huge sighs of relief before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has clarified that Iranian players would be allowed to enter the U.S. one day prior to the date of their matches. It was previously suggested that the team should enter and exit on the match days.
Some media reports quoted Iran's ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, as saying that the team would only be allowed into the US on match days. Following this claim, questions arose about the potential impact on the players' travel arrangements and performance. However, a DHS spokesperson stated, "These claims are not true. Thanks to President Donald Trump's generosity, the Iranian team will be able to arrive in the United States a day before their matches." He further added, "There is no provision in their visas that requires them to leave the United States at a specific time."
The World Cup begins on June 12 (Indian Standard Time). Iran will begin its campaign on June 16 against New Zealand in Los Angeles. The team will then face Belgium on June 22 and Egypt on June 27 in Seattle. Being allowed to arrive in the United States a day early will give the team adequate time for preparation and recovery.
