US Modifies Rules for Iran's World Cup Soccer Team
WHO:
CNN - The Iranian national soccer team, also known as Team Melli.
ABC News - Iran's national soccer team
NBC News - Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson
WHAT:
CNN - The Iranian team has been permitted to enter the US two days before their match against Egypt on June 26.
CNN - The Iranian team currently sits in second place in Group G, just ahead of Belgium.
ABC News - The US has eased restrictions on Iran's World Cup team.
NBC News - The DHS is changing guidelines for Iran’s national soccer team ahead of its third World Cup match.
WHERE:
CNN - The match against Egypt will take place at Lumen Field in Seattle.
ABC News - Seattle, Washington
WHEN:
CNN - The Iranian team is scheduled to play Egypt on June 26.
NBC News - The changes are in effect for Iran’s third World Cup match on Friday.
WHY:
CNN - The changes in travel restrictions were made to accommodate the Iranian team's participation in the World Cup amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran.
NBC News - The changes are made to accommodate extra time afforded to other countries in the tournament.
HOW:
CNN - The Iranian team was initially supposed to base in Tucson, Arizona, but had to relocate to Tijuana, Mexico, due to visa issues and travel restrictions.
ABC News - The squad is allowed to travel 2 days before the next match.
(UPDATED June 24, 2026 11:53 UTC)
The Iranian national soccer team, known as Team Melli, has been granted entry into the United States just two days before their match against Egypt, which is set to take place at Lumen Field in Seattle on June 26. Currently, the Iranian team is in second place in Group G, just ahead of Belgium, and this adjustment in travel restrictions comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran to facilitate their participation in the World Cup. Initially, the team was supposed to base in Tucson, Arizona, but they had to relocate to Tijuana, Mexico, due to visa issues and travel restrictions.
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(UPDATED June 24, 2026 08:12 UTC)
The U.S. has eased restrictions on Iran's national soccer team ahead of their third World Cup match, which is set for Friday. The Department of Homeland Security has updated its guidelines to allow the squad to travel two days before the match, accommodating extra time that has been granted to other countries in the tournament. This change was reported from Seattle, Washington, by both ABC News and NBC News.