United States Confirms Iran Can Compete at 2026 World Cup but Imposes Restrictions Over IRGC Links

The United States has confirmed that Iran will be permitted to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, although strict entry restrictions will apply to individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington has no objection to Iranian players taking part in the tournament, but made it clear that accompanying personnel with ties to the IRGC would not be granted entry into the country.

Security Concerns Overshadow Tournament Participation

Iran’s involvement in this summer’s global showpiece had come under scrutiny following the outbreak of hostilities between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other, which began on 28 February. The situation raised concerns given that all of Iran’s group-stage fixtures are scheduled to be played in the United States.

Speaking to reporters, Rubio said:
“Nothing from the US has told them they cannot come.

“The issue with Iran would not be their athletes, but rather some of the individuals they may wish to bring with them, some of whom have ties to the IRGC. We may not be able to admit them, but not the athletes themselves.”

He added:
“They cannot bring individuals linked to the IRGC into our country under the guise of journalists or athletic staff.”

The United States government has formally designated the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organisation.

President Donald Trump, who appeared alongside Rubio, emphasised that the administration does not intend to penalise athletes, stating that it “would not want to affect the players”.

Tournament Plans Remain Unchanged

The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to kick off on 11 June and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Despite ongoing speculation, Iranian authorities have indicated that preparations for the tournament are proceeding as planned. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani confirmed on Wednesday that all necessary arrangements have been secured by the Ministry of Sports and Youth.

Controversy Over Suggested Replacement

Debate surrounding Iran’s participation has been further fuelled by remarks from Paolo Zampolli, an Italian-American envoy for global relations under the Trump administration, who suggested that Italy should replace Iran at the tournament.

In comments to the Financial Times, Zampolli said he had raised the proposal with both President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“I am Italian-born, and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a World Cup hosted in the United States. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion,” he said.

However, the suggestion has been firmly rejected by Italian officials. Sports Minister Andrea Abodi dismissed the idea as inappropriate, stressing that qualification must be earned on the pitch, while Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti described it as “shameful”.

Iran Press Ahead Despite Earlier Concerns

Iran secured qualification for a fourth consecutive World Cup last year. Following the escalation of conflict, the country had requested that FIFA relocate its group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico, but the proposal was declined.

Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj confirmed that preparations are ongoing, while acknowledging that final decisions ultimately rest with national authorities.

“We are preparing and making arrangements for the World Cup, but we remain guided by the decisions of the authorities,” Taj told reporters at a pro-government rally in Tehran.