US eases restriction on Iran’s World Cup team, allowing travel 2 days before next match

Iran players react at the end of the World Cup Group G soccer match between Belgium and Iran in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Sunday, June 21, 2026.

The U.S. is easing its restrictions on Iran’s World Cup team. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday the squad could travel into the country two days before its next match.

(Image credit: Gregory Bull)