US says Iran may stay two days before Egypt’s World Cup | World Cup 2026 news

The Iranian team still has to leave the US after their third group stage match against Egypt on Friday.

US President Donald Trump’s administration has said it will allow Iran’s soccer team to enter the country two days before their World Cup final against Egypt, extending their stay in the country by one day.

Team Melli will not be allowed to stay in the US overnight after the game, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed on Tuesday.

“For the Iranian team’s third game in Seattle on June 26, the team has been allowed to come to the US two days before the game,” a DHS spokesperson told Al Jazeera.

The department did not explain the reasons for the decision, which is related to the reduction of tensions between Tehran and Washington between the ceasefire agreement and diplomatic negotiations.

“The Iranian team will still be required to leave the day the games are over. All security measures and procedures are the same,” DHS said.

“We are committed to providing the safest competition for players, staff, and fans alike.”

Iranian players and sports officials criticized the American players’ treatment of Team Melli, which had to set up its base in Mexico while playing its three group games on the US West Coast.

US officials have said their ban on the Iranian team is based on security, without providing details on how the presence of world-renowned players could harm anyone.

Last week, an Iranian teacher Amir Ghalenoei he described his team as “the most underrated team in the whole World Cup”.

The Iranian team missed training due to traveling the day after their match. The order to leave just before the game also affected their post-game recovery program, Ghalenoei said.

Before Iran’s opening game against New Zealand in Los AngelesGhalenoei said the US travel guidelines are creating difficulties for Team Melli.

“Such behavior has destroyed the spirit of football,” Ghalenoei told reporters. “Whether we win or lose, this is tough.”

Many supporters and activists have also criticized the US’s support for the Iranian military and the Trump administration’s policies around the World Cup.

Before the competition, the US rejected the chance to win the prize in Somalia Omar Artan, who were selected to participate in the competition.

Iran will come into the Egypt game with two points from two games. A win would guarantee them a place in the round of 32; photography may also be sufficient, depending on other results.

Egypt have four points and can guarantee a top-of-the-table finish if they win. They can also enter the knockout stages with a draw and can qualify even if they lose – and pending other results.

The top two teams from each group advance to the next round, along with the best eight of the 12 third-place finishers.