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FIFA World Cup Trophy seen on the image above.
United States (US) Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Washington has no objections to Iranian players participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, he says, the players will not be allowed to bring with them people with ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
After the start of the US-Israel war in Iran, Iran requested that FIFA move the team’s three group matches from the US to Mexico, but the request was rejected.
Rubio said the US only has a problem with Iran and not its athletes.
He says if the team wanted to bring others with ties to the IRCG, they would not be allowed entry into the United States.
Rubio dismissed as speculation media reports that the US asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the World Cup.
“I don’t know where that’s coming from other than speculation that Iran may decide not to come, and Italy taking their spot.”
Video |Trump envoy seeks to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup
