US allows Iran team to stay two days before Egypt World Cup match

The administration of US President Donald Trump will permit the Iranian football team to enter the country two days before their final group-stage World Cup match against Egypt, extending their stay by one additional day. However, Team Melli will still not be allowed to stay overnight in the US after the game, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed on Tuesday.

“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,” a DHS spokesperson told Al Jazeera. The department did not explain the reasons behind the decision, which coincides with easing tensions between Tehran and Washington amid a ceasefire deal and diplomatic talks.

“The Iran team will still be required to leave the day the match ends. The overall security measures and protocol are the same,” the DHS spokesperson said. “We remain committed to providing the safest tournament possible for players, staff, and fans alike.”

Iranian players and sports officials have criticized the American hosts’ treatment of Team Melli, which had to set up its basecamp in Mexico while playing all three group matches on the US West Coast. US officials have suggested that restrictions are due to security concerns, without providing details.

Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei described his team as “the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup.” He noted that the team missed training sessions due to travel the day before matches, and the order to leave almost immediately after games affected their post-match recovery.

Before the tournament, the US denied entry to award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to participate.

Iran enters the Egypt match with two points from two games. A win guarantees a spot in the round of 32; a draw may also suffice, depending on other results. Egypt has four points and can top the group with a win, while also qualifying with a draw or even a loss, pending other outcomes.