2026 World Cup: Surprising Concession by the U.S. to Iran

A surprising concession by the United States to Iran for the third Group G match of the 2026 World Cup against Egypt. The Department of Homeland Security has amended the guidelines for “Team Melli,” which will face the Pharaohs on Friday to secure a spot in the round of 16 of the World Cup.

NBC, citing a Department spokesperson, noted that the Iranian team will be allowed to travel to the city in Washington State two days before the match, giving them 24 additional hours compared to the timeframe previously granted to the team. “Ahead of the June 26 match in Seattle, the Iranian team will be allowed to arrive two days before the game. They must depart on the day of the match, the evening after the game,” the spokesperson explained. “Once again, President Trump wants to ensure that the focus is on what happens on the field. Much of this effort is aimed at ensuring security, not only in the stadiums but also at the training centers.”

In any case, Iran will have to return immediately to Tijuana, Mexico, right after the match ends. The change was necessary because Seattle is a three-hour flight from Tijuana, while Los Angeles—where the Iranian team played its first two matches against New Zealand and Belgium—is only 45 minutes away.

In contrast, Egypt will have to forgo a logistical advantage. Security authorities rejected the team’s request to travel to Seattle immediately after their 3-1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver. The Pharaohs wanted to reduce travel time, but the authorities said no, so they returned to their base camp in Spokane, Washington, about 450 kilometers from Seattle.