Rubio denies Iran could be barred from World Cup, but warns on IRGC

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday dismissed reports suggesting that Iran might be replaced by Italy at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating that the United States has taken no step to prevent Iranian athletes from entering the country. “There's nothing from the US that has told them they can't come,” Rubio told reporters at the White House following an ambassador-level meeting between Israel and Lebanon. However, he added: “The problem with Iran would not be their athletes, but some of the other people that they want to bring with them,” referring to individuals with suspected ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). “We may not be able to let them in,” he warned.

Italy replacement report denied

Rubio also rejected a Financial Times report from Wednesday that US special envoy Paolo Zampolli had proposed to President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy take Iran’s place in the tournament. The World Cup will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. President Donald Trump, speaking at the same news conference, said the US “would not want to affect the athletes.” Italy has already rejected the proposal outright, stressing that World Cup qualification must be earned on merit, not granted through political maneuvering.

Iran’s position

Iran has declared it is fully prepared to participate, and FIFA has indicated that the Iranian team is expected to compete.