According to Beyond Time News, the United States has said that Iranian football players will be allowed to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but individuals linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will not be permitted entry.
The tournament is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Players Allowed, Restrictions on Delegations
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that Iranian athletes face no travel ban for the event. However, he stressed that security restrictions will apply to certain accompanying individuals.
He said people with ties to the IRGC would not be allowed entry, adding that the US would not permit entry to anyone considered a security risk.
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Focus on Security Measures
US officials emphasized that the decision is aimed at security screening of delegations rather than targeting athletes themselves. President Donald Trump also stated that his administration does not want to affect participating players.
World Cup Preparations Continue
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first to be hosted across three countries. Iran has already qualified, and preparations for the tournament are ongoing despite broader geopolitical tensions.
Officials have confirmed that no decision has been made to block Iran’s participation in the competition.
