The United States has confirmed that Iran’s national football team will be allowed to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, but warned that certain individuals linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) could be denied entry.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington has “no objections” to Iranian players participating in the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, he stressed that restrictions may apply to members of Iran’s wider delegation if they are found to have ties to the IRGC, which the US designates as a terrorist organisation.
The clarification follows speculation over Iran’s participation amid the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which escalated in early 2026. Questions had also emerged about whether Iran’s matches might be relocated outside the US due to security concerns.
The stance has drawn comparisons from analysts and commentators who note that athletes from other countries, including Israel, have historically competed in international tournaments despite past military service. Israel has compulsory military service, and some athletes across global competitions — including the Olympics and professional sports — have previously served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), without facing similar entry restrictions.
US officials maintain that the current policy is based on its designation of the IRGC rather than general military service, underscoring what they describe as a legal distinction rather than a sporting one.
