Egypt Release Statement as US Authorities Deny World Cup Flight to Seattle

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The 2026 World Cup continues to be blighted by travel complications after another nation was forced to alter their plans by officials in the USA.

Despite playing all of their group games in the US, Iran have already been forced to train in Tijuana, Mexico after players and staff were denied permission to remain in the country.

As a result, the Iranian delegation has had to make match-day trips to Los Angeles for their games against New Zealand and Belgium, before immediately returning to Mexico after the final whistle.

Now, another separate country has seen its schedule thrown into chaos just hours after recording a landmark win.

Egypt made history on Sunday evening as they notched their first-ever victory at a World Cup thanks to a come-from-behind victory against 10-man New Zealand in their Group G clash in Vancouver.

Goals from Mostafa Ziko, Mohamed Salah and Trezeguet made it a night to remember for Hossam Hassan's side. However, their celebrations were dampened after they were denied permission to fly to Seattle, the location of their final group game.

Instead, the Egypt camp was forced to return to their current training base in Spokane, Washington. For reference, Spokane is almost 280 miles away from Seattle.

In a statement explaining the disruption to the travel schedule, Hassan confirmed:

"The security authorities refused the team's request to stay in the city of Seattle as planned after the New Zealand match in the World Cup, and therefore the team's delegation will return to the city of Spokane."

Egypt are in a strong position in Group G. Following their victory over New Zealand, they currently sit top of the group with four points. However, their final group game is still a crucial one, with both Belgium and Iran poised behind them, each on two points.

The decision to deny the Egyptians the ability to fly directly into Seattle will impact their preparation for Saturday's match, which will ironically see them take on Iran at Seattle Stadium.

Iran manager Amir Ghalenoei has made his feelings clear on the disruptions his own side has faced, admitting: "These constraints have made it very difficult for us."

Iran were even forced to abandon a training session half-way through its duration after being ordered to leave by authorities. They have launched an official complaint over the situation.

Egypt haven't quite faced the same treatment, but having to alter their travel plans at such a late stage is far from ideal ahead of the biggest match in the country's history.

Egypt will qualify from the round of 32 as group winners with a victory, while a draw may also be enough to see them through.