'Can't Bring Bunch Of IRGC Terrorists Into US': Marco Rubio Over Iran World Cup Team Visa Row

Published 9 June 2026 · sports

'Can't Bring Bunch Of IRGC Terrorists Into US': Marco Rubio Over Iran World Cup Team Visa Row Published By, Last Updated: June 09, 2026, 22:54

'Can't Bring Bunch Of IRGC Terrorists Into US': Marco Rubio Over Iran World Cup Team Visa Row Published By, Last Updated: June 09, 2026, 22:54 IST Rubio said there was no ban on Iranian players themselves, but concerns remained over other members of the travelling delegation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran has agreed to negotiate on the aspects of nuclear programme. (Source: Reuters) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday said Iran’s World Cup delegation will not be allowed to bring individuals with alleged links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) into the country, amid an ongoing visa dispute ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking at the Oval Office, where US President Donald Trump was also present, Rubio said there was no ban on Iranian players themselves, but concerns remained over other members of the travelling delegation. “Nothing from the US has told them they can’t come.

I mean, the problem with Iran would be not their athletes. It would be some of the other people that they want to bring with them, some of whom have ties to the IRGC," Rubio said. “What they can’t bring is a bunch of IRGC terrorists into our country and pretend that they’re journalists and athletic trainers," he added. “What [Iran] can’t bring is a bunch of IRGC terrorists into our country and pretend that they’re journalists and athletic trainers."— @SecRubio (in April)pic.twitter.com/xghqfvjR2Z — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 9, 2026 Rubio said any visa restrictions would apply only to officials or staff deemed to have security concerns, not the players. He also dismissed claims that Iran’s participation was being blocked, saying the team could still take part in the tournament. “The problem with Iran would be not their athletes. It would be some of the other people that they want to bring with them, some of whom have ties to the IRGC," he noted.

The comments come as Iran continues to face visa complications ahead of the tournament, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Iran was among the first teams to qualify for the World Cup, and US visas for players were approved last week. However, several delegation members, including Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj, have reportedly been denied entry. Iran has also shifted its World Cup base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana in Mexico following security concerns and logistical changes approved by FIFA. Iran’s football federation announced its group-stage schedule on Tuesday. The team will open against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by matches against Belgium and Egypt in Los Angeles and Seattle respectively. The federation said the squad will travel on charter flights and arrive shortly before each match, but confirmed that not all administrative staff have received clearance to enter the US.