Iran allowed to participate in 2026 World Cup despite IRGC restrictions

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has clarified that the US government has not explicitly stated its disapproval of Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, he noted that certain individuals accompanying Iranian players may be subject to restrictions due to their ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The US has designated the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization.

Rubio emphasized that the US government is not opposed to Iranian athletes participating in the tournament. Instead, concerns arise from the potential presence of individuals with connections to the IRGC. “We may not be able to let them in,” Rubio stated, “but not the athletes themselves.” The US administration has expressed a desire to avoid affecting the participation of Iranian athletes.

The World Cup is scheduled to take place on June 11 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Iran’s government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani recently confirmed that all necessary arrangements for the team’s participation have been made by the Ministry of Sports and Youth. Meanwhile, an Italian-American envoy has suggested replacing Iran with Italy in this year’s World Cup. Paolo Zampolli, a US envoy for global relations, made the proposal to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump.

Italian officials have rejected the idea, with Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti describing it as “shameful.” Iranian football federation President Mehdi Taj stated that Iran is proceeding with preparations for the World Cup while adhering to the decisions of the authorities.

Source: Al Jazeera