US security authorities block Egyptian football team’s Seattle transit ahead of World Cup fixture
Coach Hossam Hassan states team will travel 450km east of Seattle following decision, which comes after Egypt’s historic victory over New Zealand.
Security authorities in the United States have declined a request by the Egyptian FIFA World Cup team to fly directly from Vancouver to Seattle, forcing the delegation to return to their training base in Spokane. The decision was confirmed by the Egyptian Football Association on Monday, following the team’s historic 3-1 victory over New Zealand in their opening group match.
Coach Hossam Hassan provided details regarding the logistical shift in a statement released by the association. He confirmed that local security officials refused the team’s request to remain in Seattle after their match against New Zealand. Consequently, the Egyptian delegation will travel approximately 450km east to Spokane to prepare for their final group stage fixture against Iran.
The Egyptian team had originally submitted a request to stay in Seattle for the week leading up to the match against Iran. However, the refusal by security authorities has necessitated a return to their established training base. The specific reasons for the security refusal were not detailed by US authorities or the Egyptian Football Association.
The logistical decision follows a significant milestone for the Egyptian squad, which secured its first-ever World Cup victory on Sunday in Vancouver. Mohamed Salah scored as Egypt rallied from a goal down to defeat New Zealand 3-1, marking a pivotal moment in their tournament campaign.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is currently underway in the United States, with the tournament commencing in June. While the host nation previously boosted football popularity during the 1994 World Cup, recent polls indicate that public excitement remains low compared to the concurrent NBA Finals, with half of Americans expressing indifference to the tournament.
Other group stage fixtures scheduled for Monday include a clash between Norway and Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, and Belgium’s match against New Zealand on Friday. The Egyptian team’s next match against Iran remains the final group stage fixture for the squad.
