The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that Iran’s national football team will be allowed to enter the US one day before each of its matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, easing concerns over travel restrictions and tournament logistics.
The clarification comes after reports suggested Iranian players might be required to enter and leave the US on the same day as their matches, raising questions about preparation time and competitive fairness. DHS rejected those claims, stating that the team will be permitted to arrive a day in advance.
Iran’s squad is currently training in Mexico after relocating its base amid regional tensions. While all players reportedly received US visas shortly before the tournament, Iranian officials have raised concerns over visa denials affecting several federation and support staff members.
The decision removes a major uncertainty ahead of Iran’s group-stage fixtures in the United States and ensures the team can follow a more conventional pre-match schedule during the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, begins this week, with Iran among the participating nations.