US permits Iranian footballers at 2026 World Cup while barring IRGC-linked personnel
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirms players may compete, but those with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps face entry denial
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has clarified that the United States has no objection to Iranian national football players participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the administration has explicitly barred individuals accompanying the team who hold ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from entering the United States. This distinction arises because the US government designates the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organisation, creating a legal basis for denying entry to associated personnel.
While US President Donald Trump stated the administration does not wish to affect the athletes, the ban creates a significant logistical hurdle given that all of Iran's group-stage matches are scheduled in the United States. Rubio told reporters that the issue lies not with the players themselves, but with other individuals the team might wish to bring, such as journalists and athletic trainers, whom officials fear may be linked to the IRGC.
Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani confirmed that the Ministry of Sports and Youth has ensured all necessary arrangements for the team's participation remain in place. Despite these assurances, the entry restrictions for support staff present a complex challenge for the squad as they prepare to compete across the US, Mexico, and Canada.
The matter of Iran's involvement intensified following the start of the US-Israeli war on 28 February. In response to the security situation, Iran requested that FIFA move their three group matches from the United States to Mexico. This suggestion was rejected by FIFA, and the team is proceeding with matches in the US as originally scheduled.
Speculation regarding the team's participation also arose after an unverified suggestion by US envoy Paolo Zampolli to replace Iran with Italy was rebuked by Italian officials as inappropriate and shameful. While the US administration maintains its stance on security, the situation highlights the ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran regarding the sovereignty of Iran's security apparatus.
