Iran’s Participation in 2026 FIFA World Cup Remains Uncertain Amid U.S. Restrictions
Published on April 24, 2026
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has clarified that the United States government does not prohibit the Iranian national football team from participating in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, he emphasized that players will not be allowed to bring individuals affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) into the country.
The backdrop to this statement is the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, which escalated on February 28, leading to speculation regarding Iran’s ability to compete in the tournament. All of Iran’s group-stage matches are scheduled to take place in the United States, raising concerns about the team’s participation.
Rubio stated, “Nothing from the U.S. has told them they can’t come,” addressing the media. He elaborated that the primary issue lies not with the athletes themselves, but rather with potential attendees who may have ties to the IRGC, which the U.S. has designated as a “foreign terrorist organization.” “They can’t bring a bunch of IRGC terrorists into our country and pretend that they are journalists and athletic trainers,” Rubio added, highlighting the U.S. government’s stance on security.
President Donald Trump, who appeared alongside Rubio, reiterated that the administration aims to avoid impacting the athletes negatively. The World Cup is set to commence on June 11, 2026, across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, making the timeline for resolving these issues increasingly urgent.
Speculation regarding Iran’s participation has been prevalent, with officials from both nations weighing in on the situation. Fatemeh Mohajerani, spokesperson for the Iranian government, assured that all necessary arrangements for the national team’s participation have been secured by the Ministry of Sports and Youth.
In a controversial twist, Paolo Zampolli, an Italian-American envoy for global relations, suggested that Italy—who failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time—should replace Iran in the tournament. He expressed this sentiment to both Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stating, “I’m an Italian native, and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a U.S.-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”
This proposal has faced backlash from Italian officials. Sports Minister Andrea Abodi criticized the suggestion, asserting, “It is not appropriate … You qualify on the pitch,” while Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti described the idea as “shameful.”
Despite the ongoing tensions, Iran’s football federation remains committed to participating in the World Cup. Mehdi Taj, president of the federation, stated, “We are preparing and making arrangements for the World Cup, but we are obedient to the decisions of the authorities.” This statement reflects Iran’s determination to proceed as planned, despite the challenges posed by the current geopolitical landscape.
As the tournament approaches, the situation remains fluid, with the potential for further developments impacting Iran’s participation in this prestigious international event.
