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US says Iran can play at 2026 World Cup but bars those with ‘IRGC ties’
TL;DR
The US allows Iranian players to participate in the 2026 World Cup but prohibits those with ties to the IRGC from accompanying them. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the issue lies with individuals connected to the IRGC, not the athletes themselves.
Key points
- US allows Iranian players in 2026 World Cup
- Prohibition on individuals with IRGC ties
- Marco Rubio emphasizes issue is with non-athletes
Mentioned in this story
Islamic Revolutionary Guard CorpsMarco Rubio
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington has no objections to Iranian players participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but he added the players will not be allowed to bring people with ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) with them.
Since the United States-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28, Iran’s participation in this summer’s edition of FIFA’s global showpiece has been in doubt because all of the country’s group-stage matches are scheduled to be played in the United States.
“Nothing from the US has told them they can’t come,” Rubio told reporters.
“The problem with Iran would be not their athletes. It would be some of the other people they would want to bring with them, some of whom have ties to the IRGC. We may not be able to let them in, but not the athletes themselves,” Rubio said.
“They can’t bring a bunch of IRGC terrorists into our country and pretend that they are journalists and athletic trainers,” Rubio added.
Washington has designated the IRGC as a “foreign terrorist organisation”.
US President Donald Trump, speaking alongside Rubio, added that his administration “would not want to affect the athletes”.
The World Cup is set to begin on June 11 across the US, Mexico and Canada.
Speculation about Iran’s participation has been rife, with officials from both Iran and the US weighing in.
In a statement on Wednesday, however, Iran’s government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said all necessary arrangements for the team’s participation in the tournament have been ensured by the Ministry of Sports and Youth.
An envoy for Trump, though, has been quoted as suggesting that Italy, who failed to qualify for the World Cup for a third straight edition, should replace Iran at this year’s World Cup.
Paolo Zampolli, an Italian-American who is a US envoy for global relations, told The Financial Times that he made the suggestion to both Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“I’m an Italian native, and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion,” Zampolli, who has no official connection with the World Cup or Italian football, said earlier this week.
Q&A
Why are Iranian players allowed to participate in the 2026 World Cup?
Iranian players are permitted to participate because the US has no objections to their involvement in the tournament.
What restrictions are placed on Iranian players for the World Cup?
Iranian players cannot bring individuals with ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to the World Cup.
What did US Secretary of State Marco Rubio say about Iran's participation?
Marco Rubio stated that while Iranian athletes can compete, the US may deny entry to those associated with the IRGC.
