Key Takeaways
- American authorities say Iran’s footballers can enter the 2026 World Cup hosted in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
- Officials with links to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard may still be denied visas.
- Italy will not replace Iran; Rome insists teams must qualify on the pitch.
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has assured Iranian footballers they will be allowed to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking at the White House, Rubio said Washington has not blocked the squad and wants athletes from every qualifying nation to compete.
Rubio warned, however, that members of Iran’s travelling party suspected of connections to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could be refused entry. The IRGC is listed as a terrorist group by the U.S. government. “The athletes are welcome; the concern is with officials who may have IRGC ties,” he explained.
The statement follows rumours that Italy, who failed to qualify after a playoff defeat, might take Iran’s slot. Italian-American businessman Paolo Zampolli reportedly suggested the swap to senior U.S. and FIFA figures, but the idea was quickly shot down.
Italy’s sports minister Andrea Abodi called the proposal improper, saying places must be earned through matches, not politics. Luciano Buonfiglio, head of Italy’s Olympic committee, added that accepting a back-door entry would offend fair-play values.
Iran’s embassy in Rome labelled the plan a sign of “moral bankruptcy” and praised Italy for rejecting special treatment.
Questions over Iran’s involvement grew after conflict erupted in the region in February, prompting talk of moving their group games from U.S. soil to Mexico. FIFA president Gianni Infantino ended that speculation, confirming Iran will play where the draw places them.