Iran have claimed they have been delayed from arriving in Seattle for their final World Cup group game due to harassment of captain Mehdi Taremi and assistant coach Saeed Alhoei.Amir Ghalenoeis side have faced logistical challenges throughout the tournament, in which they have taken part amid the backdrop of conflict between the Gulf nation and the United States, which is co-hosting the tournament. Irans previous two group games have each taken place in Los Angeles.Iran moved their training base from the U.S. to Mexico, though a request to move their games south of the border was dismissed.In addition to having to travel internationally for each of their games, Iran were required by US authorities to enter the country within 24 hours of their first two matches and depart on the same day.Iran lodged a complaint with FIFA over the travel restrictions, with coach Amir Ghalenoei describing his side as the most oppressed team at the World Cup.The US Department of Homeland Security said on Tuesday that Iran would be allowed to travel to Seattle 48 hours ahead of their Group G clash with Egypt in the Pacific Northwest, where they will likely need a point to stand a chance of progression to the knockouts having drawn each of their first two games with New Zealand and Belgium.However, those travel plans have seemingly been disrupted, with the Iranian Football Federation releasing a statement titled Harassment of Taremi and Alhoei at the Airport Again; Iran National Team Delayed.It read: While Irans national team is travelling to the United States for the third time, the team has once again been delayed at the airport due to issues caused by US authorities. The members of Irans national football team arrived at the airport earlier today for their trip to face Egypt, but as on previous occasions, interference by the host nation, involving Saeed Alhoei and Mehdi Taremi has caused the team to be delayed at the airport. The rest of the squad is currently waiting for their coach and team-mate to join them before departing for Seattle for the match against Egypt.War between Iran and the US broke out on February 28 after the Gulf state was hit by US-Israeli airstrikes.A ceasefire was agreed on April 8 and extended this month as the US and Iran each signed a memorandum of understanding to end the war. Topics 2026 FIFA World Cup Iran National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Switzerland v Canada: Confirmed line-ups for battle for Group B top spot Nicholas McGee 24th June, 2026 Bosnia-Herzegovina v Qatar: Confirmed line-ups as Group B foes seek to avoid early exit Nicholas McGee 24th June, 2026 Neymar: World Cup 2026 playing schedule, fixtures, results, kick off times, confirmed injury news updates, full Brazil squad Ben Miller 24th June, 2026 Japan v Sweden: World Cup 2026 line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream and prediction Ben Miller 24th June, 2026 Curacao v Ivory Coast: World Cup 2026 line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream and prediction Ben Miller 24th June, 2026 Ecuador v Germany: World Cup 2026 line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream and prediction Ben Miller 24th June, 2026
