US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on April 24, 2026, that the United States has no objection to the Iranian national football team participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. However, Rubio clarified that individuals with ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will not be allowed entry into the US.
Speaking at a press conference, Rubio stated, 'We have no objection to the Iranian team playing in the World Cup. But we will not allow people with ties to the IRGC to enter the United States.' The IRGC is a branch of Iran's military that the US has designated as a foreign terrorist organization since 2019.
The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran. The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, with matches across 16 cities in North America. Iran has qualified for the tournament, and its participation had been uncertain due to US visa restrictions.
Iran's foreign ministry has not yet officially responded to Rubio's statement. The US State Department confirmed that visa applications for Iranian players and officials will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with special scrutiny for anyone suspected of IRGC affiliation.
