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US says Iran can stay for two days before Egypt World Cup game

From Al Jazeera · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • The U.S. will allow Iran's football team to enter the country two days before their World Cup match against Egypt on June 26.
  • Iran's team must still depart the U.S. on the same day as the match, maintaining existing security protocols.
  • Iranian officials have previously described the U.S. travel guidelines as oppressive and detrimental to the team's spirit and recovery.

The United States administration has granted Iran's national football team permission to enter the country two days prior to their final group-stage World Cup match against Egypt on June 26. This decision extends their permitted stay by one additional day compared to previous arrangements.

For the Iranian team’s third match in Seattle on June 26, the team has been permitted to come into the US two days before the match.

— DHS spokespersonConfirming the U.S. decision to allow Iran's football team entry two days before their World Cup match.

Despite the extended entry window, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the Iranian team, known as Team Melli, will still be required to leave the U.S. on the same day as their match in Seattle. The department stated that overall security measures and protocols remain unchanged.

The decision comes amid a period of subsiding tensions between Washington and Tehran, coinciding with a ceasefire deal and ongoing diplomatic talks. However, the DHS spokesperson did not elaborate on the specific reasons behind this particular accommodation.

The Iran team will still be required to leave the day the match ends. The overall security measures and protocol are the same.

— DHS spokespersonClarifying that existing security protocols and departure requirements remain in place despite the extended entry.

Iranian players and sports officials have consistently voiced criticism regarding the treatment they have received from their American hosts. Coach Amir Ghalenoei has previously described his team as "the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup," citing travel restrictions that have led to missed training sessions and affected post-match recovery. Ghalenoei has suggested these guidelines negatively impact the team's spirit and create a difficult feeling, regardless of match outcomes.

We remain committed to providing the safest tournament possible for players, staff, and fans alike.

— DHS spokespersonStating the U.S. commitment to tournament safety amidst the decision regarding the Iranian team's entry.

Many fans and rights advocates have also condemned the U.S. treatment of the Iranian squad, linking it to broader travel policies implemented by the Trump administration. The guidelines have presented challenges for Team Melli, impacting their preparation and recovery. Iran currently has two points from two games and needs a result against Egypt to advance to the knockout stage.

the team has been permitted to come into the US two days before the match

— DHS spokespersonConfirming the U.S. decision to allow Iran's football team entry two days before their World Cup match.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Al Jazeera. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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