US says Iran players welcome at 2026 World Cup amid call for Italy to take their place
Summary
The US government says Iranian football players are welcome to participate in the 2026 World Cup. While the US may block entry to some Iranian officials linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, no ban is planned for the athletes themselves. A proposal for Italy to replace Iran was rejected by both US officials and the Italian government.Key Facts
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Iran’s footballers can attend the 2026 World Cup.
- The US might bar entry to some Iranian delegation members with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), considered a terrorist group by the US.
- A US special envoy, Paolo Zampolli, reportedly suggested Italy could replace Iran in the tournament, but this idea was dismissed by the Italian government.
- Italy lost its chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing a qualifying playoff.
- Iranian officials criticized the replacement suggestion, calling it politically motivated.
- Iran had considered moving its World Cup games from the US to Mexico due to tensions but FIFA confirmed Iran will play as scheduled.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated Iran will participate in the World Cup at the locations determined in the tournament draw.
- The conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has raised uncertainty about Iran’s participation.
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