The United States eased travel restrictions on Iran’s World Cup squad, allowing the team to enter the country two days before its final group match against Egypt in Seattle.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Iran could travel from its base in Tijuana, Mexico, on Wednesday ahead of the Friday, June 26 fixture. The squad was still required to leave the United States after the match, and the department said its broader security procedures would remain in place.

For Iran’s first two matches near Los Angeles, against New Zealand and Belgium, the team had been permitted to enter only one day before playing. Iran drew both games and complained that the repeated border movements and limited recovery time put its players at a disadvantage.

Coach Amir Ghalenoei said conditions had been especially difficult before the noon match against Belgium, when the team had less than 24 hours in the area. Captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh asked for Iran to receive the same treatment as the tournament’s other teams.

Speaking for the White House task force handling FIFA matters, Andrew Giuliani said officials had planned to review Iran’s first two journeys before deciding whether to grant more time. Because those movements went smoothly and Seattle required a longer trip, the extra day was approved.

FIFA regulations normally call for teams to travel from their base to a match city one day before a game, with arrival two days beforehand allowed in exceptional circumstances. Iran was scheduled to train at the University of Washington on Thursday.

The change did not resolve every travel issue. Several officials and support personnel remained unable to enter the United States with the team. The Athletic reported, citing a source close to the squad, that 13 support staff members denied permission before the tournament were still restricted to Mexico during US matches.

Iran had previously asked to relocate its base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, a request granted before the team arrived. The June 23 decision gave its players one additional preparation day in Seattle but left the exit requirement and other security controls intact.