US says Iran can play at 2026 World Cup but bars those with ‘IRGC ties’
Summary
The United States has allowed Iranian players to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup but will not allow people linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to enter the US with the team. Iran’s participation was uncertain because the group-stage matches are in the US, but Iran is now preparing to compete as planned.Key Facts
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iranian athletes can play in the 2026 World Cup.
- The US will bar people connected to the IRGC, a group labeled as a terrorist organization by Washington, from entering.
- President Donald Trump said the US does not want to affect the athletes' participation.
- Iran’s government confirmed it has made all arrangements for the team to compete.
- Iran asked FIFA to move its group matches from the US to Mexico, but this request was denied.
- An envoy for President Trump suggested Italy replace Iran in the tournament, but this idea was criticized by Italian officials.
- The 2026 World Cup will be hosted in the US, Mexico, and Canada and starts on June 11.
- Iran qualified for the World Cup for the fourth time in a row last year.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.