Overview
- Egypt asked to fly directly from Vancouver to Seattle after a 3-1 win over New Zealand to reduce travel fatigue and preserve preparation time.
- Local U.S. security authorities rejected the team's request and did not publicly provide specific reasons for the denial.
- In response to the refusal, manager Hossam Hassan confirmed the squad returned to its Spokane base about 280 miles from Seattle.
- Egypt will still play Iran at Lumen Field in Seattle, where a single point would guarantee the team a spot in the Round of 32.
- The decision raises immediate concerns about increased player travel and shorter on-site preparation, and highlights that visiting-team movements are controlled by local security in coordination with tournament organizers.