The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has eased travel restrictions for Iran's national soccer team ahead of their third World Cup match. The squad will now be permitted to enter the United States two days before their game against Egypt on Friday, providing them with an extra day of preparation.
Previously, the team had been training in Tijuana, Mexico, and was only allowed into the U.S. 24 hours before their first two matches. A department spokesperson noted that the guidelines were changed to accommodate extra time afforded to other countries in the tournament. The Iranian coach had previously described his team as the most oppressed in the entire World Cup.
Despite the eased restrictions, the Iranian team is still required to leave the U.S. the day the match ends. These measures come amid high tensions between Washington and Tehran following a nearly four-month war. President Donald Trump previously stated that while Iran was welcome to participate, it was not appropriate for the team to remain in the country between matches for their own life and safety.
The Iranian squad had complained about the travel conditions and expressed intent to lodge an official complaint with FIFA over the restrictions imposed by the organizers.