US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that his country welcomes the Iranian national team’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, putting an end to speculation about the US refusing to host the Persian team.
In recent days, there has been considerable controversy surrounding Iran’s participation in the tournament, especially after Iranian officials requested that their matches be moved to Mexico.
When asked about the matter, the US Secretary of State responded, “There is nothing in the United States that would prevent the Iranian national team from participating in the World Cup.”
He added, “The problem with Iran is not with the athletes themselves, but with the other individuals they might want to bring along, some of whom have ties to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. We will not be able to allow them entry.”
He continued, “Anyone who is considered a terrorist and pretends to be a journalist or sports coach will not be allowed to enter the country.”
Rubio concluded his remarks by addressing the possibility of Italy participating instead of Iran, saying, “This is speculation based on the idea that Iran might withdraw, not on preventing them from participating.”
It is worth noting that Iran is in the same group as Egypt, Belgium and New Zealand in the 2026 World Cup, and the coach of the Persian national team has already announced the squad that will travel to the United States to participate in their fourth consecutive World Cup.
