The United States has confirmed that Iranian footballers and staff will be welcome to enter the country for the 2026 World Cup, following reports that the idea of replacing Iran with Italy was proposed to President Donald Trump. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that no directive has been issued to bar Iranian players from competing in the tournament, which is jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Background on the Controversy
Iran's participation in the World Cup had been cast into doubt amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran. Paolo Zampolli, an envoy to President Trump, revealed to the Financial Times that he had suggested to Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy, a four-time World Cup winner, could replace Iran. "I'm an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament," Zampolli said. "With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion."
Rubio's Clarification
Responding to the reports, Rubio denied that the Trump administration had communicated any ban to Iranian players. "Nothing from the US has told them they can't come," he told reporters. "If they decide not to come on their own, it's because they decided not to come." However, he warned that the US might refuse entry to members of the Iranian delegation with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Washington designates as a foreign terrorist organization. "The problem with Iran would be not their athletes," Rubio added. "It would be some of the other people they would want to bring with them, some of whom have ties to the IRGC. We may not be able to let them in, but not the athletes themselves. They can't bring a bunch of IRGC terrorists into our country and pretend that they are journalists and athletic trainers."
President Trump quickly reiterated: "We would not want to affect the athletes." He has given mixed signals on the matter, stating that Iran is "welcome" but also suggesting it would be "inappropriate" for them to participate "for their life and safety."
Iran's Participation Status
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been adamant that Iran will "for sure" participate. An Iranian government spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday that the country is preparing for "proud and successful participation" at the World Cup, which begins on 11 June. Meanwhile, despite Zampolli's suggestion, Italy's Sports Minister Andrea Abodi has emphatically ruled out replacing Iran. "Italy's possible re-qualification for the 2026 World Cup is firstly not possible and secondly not appropriate," Abodi told Sky News. "Qualification is on the pitch."
Iran's World Cup Schedule
Iran has been drawn into Group G for the tournament. They are scheduled to play New Zealand on 16 June, followed by Belgium on 21 June, and Egypt on 27 June.
