U.S. to Block Iran World Cup Delegates With IRGC Ties as Team Plays 2026 Matches
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Jun 2
U.S. to Block Iran World Cup Delegates With IRGC Ties as Team Plays 2026 Matches
3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Jun 2
Summary
Marco Rubio told lawmakers the U.S. will bar any members of Iran’s World Cup delegation who have ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, while allowing the team and legitimate support staff to enter.
Rubio said Washington is scrutinizing the delegation closely to stop non-athletic personnel from embedding with the squad under World Cup cover.
Iran will play tournament matches in the United States but base itself in Mexico during the 2026 World Cup, which begins this month.
The screening stance comes despite the war the U.S. and Israel launched against Iran in late February, underscoring a split between security restrictions and participation in the tournament.