Iran manager Amir Ghalenoei has confirmed that the travel restrictions hampering his squad during the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be relaxed ahead of their final Group G fixture against Egypt.
Throughout the group stage, the Iranian squad has been based in Mexico to sidestep complications surrounding U.S. visa arrangements, forcing the players to make cross-border journeys for each of their matches in the United States.
Fatigue from travel took its toll
Ghalenoei did not hold back in criticising those logistical constraints, arguing that the burden of constant travel drained his players ahead of their earlier encounter against New Zealand.
"I think, because we have been flying too much, commuting — as a result of this long commute, we've been tired," he told reporters at a press conference.
He revealed that for the Egypt match, in Seattle, the team would have the freedom to manage their own travel arrangements — a significant departure from the restrictions placed on the squad in the opening two games, where he said others had dictated the timing and logistics of their movement.
Late FIFA communication added to mental strain
The Iran head coach also disclosed a particularly frustrating episode before their most recent match, when the squad was informed by FIFA on a Friday afternoon that they might be permitted to travel to the United States that same day — only to be told hours later that nothing had come of it.
"We waited till 7.00pm, nothing happened, and they said, 'Sorry, we weren't able to do that,'" Ghalenoei recounted.
He said the uncertainty had weighed on him personally, pulling his focus away from the tactical and technical preparation he needed ahead of a high-stakes World Cup fixture.
"That's going to affect us mentally, especially me as a head coach, because I want to focus on technical stuff," he added.
Despite the difficulties, the Iranian squad eventually arrived in the United States on a Saturday — less than 24 hours before kickoff — with Ghalenoei now hoping that greater autonomy over their travel plans for the Egypt game will allow his side to perform to their true potential.
