US Welcomes Iran's Participation in 2026 World Cup Amid Controversy
US says Iran players welcome at 2026 World Cup amid call for Italy to take their place
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
The US government has confirmed that Iran's football team is welcome at the 2026 World Cup, distancing itself from a proposal for Italy to take their place. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that while athletes can attend, individuals with ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps may face entry restrictions.
- 01US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Iran's footballers are welcome at the World Cup.
- 02Rubio warned that individuals linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps may be barred from entry.
- 03A proposal for Italy to replace Iran was dismissed by both the Italian government and sports officials.
- 04Italy's sports minister stated that qualification should be earned on the pitch, not through political means.
- 05Iran's participation has been questioned due to geopolitical tensions, but FIFA confirmed they will play as scheduled.
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The United States has affirmed that Iran's football team will be allowed to participate in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, as stated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This announcement comes in response to a controversial proposal suggesting that Italy could replace Iran, which was quickly rejected by Italian officials. Rubio clarified that while athletes from Iran are welcome, there may be restrictions on members of their delegation with connections to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), designated as a terrorist organization by the US. The Italian sports minister emphasized that teams should qualify based on performance, not political considerations. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran's matches will proceed as planned in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
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Iran's participation in the World Cup could influence international relations and perceptions of the US's stance on Iran.
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