United States security authorities denied the Egyptian national football team permission to fly directly from Vancouver to Seattle on Monday, June 22, 2026.
The decision forced the squad to return to their training base in Spokane, Washington.
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The logistical disruption occurred just hours after Egypt secured its first-ever World Cup victory by defeating New Zealand 3-1 on Sunday.
The Group G leaders now face a scramble to adjust their travel plans before Friday's crucial match against Iran.
According to reports from Al Jazeera and the Daily Mail, the Egyptian Football Association had requested to stay in Seattle this week to maximize practice time and minimize player fatigue.
Local officials rejected the travel arrangement.
Egypt national team coach Hossam Hassan expressed his frustration over the sudden change.
"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," Hassan said.
The squad had originally planned to remain in the host city to bypass unnecessary transit ahead of the winner-takes-group showdown at Lumen Field.
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"The team had wanted to travel directly to Seattle to preserve the players from travel fatigue due to the numerous trips in preparation for the Iran match on June 26," Hassan added in a statement released by the Egyptian Football Association.
