US Warns Iranian World Cup Delegation of Close Monitoring Ahead of 2026 Tournament

Political tensions continue to influence Iran's participation in the upcoming World Cup.

The administration of US President Donald Trump has issued a warning to the Iranian delegation ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington "has no problem" with the Iranian national team entering the country, but it will not permit officials or staff connected to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to accompany the team, according to Reuters.

US Restrictions on Iranian Officials

During a House committee hearing, Rubio clarified, "What we will not allow is for them to include in their delegation individuals who we know have no connection to sports but have ties to the Revolutionary Guard or similar entities, so we will be closely monitoring this matter."

Both the United States and Canada, co-hosts of the World Cup alongside Mexico, classify the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a "terrorist entity."

Previous Ban on Iranian Football Official

Mehdi Taj, the head of the Iranian Football Federation, was banned from entering Canada to attend the FIFA general assembly in late April due to his connections with the Revolutionary Guard.

Iran's World Cup Group Stage Matches

Iran is set to begin its World Cup campaign against New Zealand on June 15, followed by matches against Belgium and Egypt within Group G of the tournament.