The United States says Iran’s national football team will be allowed to compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but individuals with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps will be denied entry. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the announcement on Friday, amid concerns over Iran’s participation in matches scheduled to be played in the United States.
Rubio said Washington has not blocked Iranian athletes from travelling, but warned that restrictions would apply to certain accompanying personnel. He stated that individuals with ties to the IRGC, which the US designates as a foreign terrorist organisation, would not be permitted entry.
The development follows uncertainty over Iran’s participation after the outbreak of conflict involving the United States and Israel earlier this year. Iran had requested that its group stage matches be moved outside the US, but that request was rejected.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to begin on June 11 and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, with Iran already qualified for the tournament.
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