US Eases Visa Rules for Iranian World Cup Team, Mandates Same-Day Departure

The US government has relaxed visa restrictions for the Iranian national football team during the World Cup, allowing them to enter the country earlier for matches. For their group stage game against Egypt in Seattle, the team is now permitted to arrive two days prior to the match, a change from the previous policy.

Previously, for their first two World Cup games in Los Angeles, the team reportedly could only enter the US a maximum of 24 hours before kickoff. The US Department of Homeland Security confirmed the updated policy, emphasizing that while arrival times have been adjusted, the obligation for the team to depart the US on the same day as their match remains in effect.

This adjustment comes after criticism from Iranian officials, including coach Amir Ghalenoei, who stated that the previous restrictions made preparations extremely difficult, sometimes leaving the team with less than 16 hours before kickoff. The initial stringent measures were reportedly implemented against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, despite a framework agreement between the two nations. Iranian football representatives had also complained about several staff members being denied US visas.