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World game at war: why some European nations have threatened a World Cup boycott 
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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States will closely monitor Iran’s delegation during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and prevent any individuals with alleged ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from entering the country under the guise of participating in the tournament.
Speaking before a House of Representatives committee on Tuesday, Rubio emphasized that Washington has no objection to the Iranian national soccer team or its legitimate support personnel traveling to the United States for World Cup matches. However, he made it clear that U.S. authorities will scrutinize the composition of Iran’s delegation to ensure that only individuals directly connected to the sport are allowed entry.
The Iranian national team is scheduled to play several matches in the United States during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite competing on U.S. soil, the team will reportedly be based in neighboring Mexico throughout the tournament.
Rubio’s remarks come amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran following the conflict that erupted after military actions launched by the U.S. and Israel against Iran in late February. Against this backdrop, the issue of security surrounding international sporting events has gained increased attention from American officials.
According to Rubio, the U.S. government is particularly concerned about the possibility of non-athletic personnel attempting to join Iran’s World Cup delegation. He told lawmakers that authorities would carefully examine visa applications and delegation lists to identify anyone suspected of having connections to the IRGC or other organizations viewed as security risks.
“We have no problem with the Iranian soccer team and its support staff,” Rubio said during the hearing. He added that the United States would not permit individuals unrelated to athletics to become part of the delegation if they have links to the IRGC.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to attract teams and fans from around the world. As preparations continue, U.S. officials say security screening measures will remain a top priority, particularly for delegations arriving from countries involved in ongoing geopolitical tensions.
