Iran Football Federation Alleges Delay of Taremi and Coach at Seattle Airport, US Officials Respond

The Iranian squad’s arrival in Seattle was delayed by roughly 25 minutes after forward Mehdi Taremi and assistant coach Saeed Alhoei were briefly held up at the airport.

Published On 24 Jun 202624 Jun 2026

The Iran Football Federation (FFIRI) issued a statement this Wednesday claiming that United States authorities interfered with the departure of Taremi and Alhoei as the team left Mexico for their World Cup group‑stage match against Egypt in Seattle.

According to the federation, “host officials caused complications for the duo, delaying the dispatch of the delegation to reach Seattle on time for the crucial game against Egypt.”

While the exact reasons for the delay remain unspecified and the statement did not confirm whether either player or coach was questioned, FFIRI noted that both individuals joined the convoy after a 25‑minute pause and continued with the delegation to Washington.

Iran’s athletes and support staff had been positioned in Tijuana, Mexico, following the country’s travel to the World Cup amid ongoing tensions on the U.S.–Israeli front.

Each of the team’s three West‑Coast fixtures – the first two played in Los Angeles, California – required the delegation to arrive a day before the match and depart promptly afterward. The third match, scheduled in Seattle, Washington, followed the same pattern.

The incident occurs a day after U.S. authorities announced that they had relaxed travel restrictions for the Iranian delegation, allowing the team to head to Seattle two days before their game but still mandating a swift departure after the match concluded.

Iranian officials have criticized the U.S. host’s treatment of the national team, noting that the abrupt hold‑ups contributed to a strained environment as the squad established a temporary base camp in Mexico while competing all three group‑stage matches on the U.S. West Coast.

U.S. officials have attributed the restrictions to security concerns, though they have not elaborated on how the presence of internationally recognized athletes could supposedly pose a threat.

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