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

Last Updated:June 09, 2026, 22:50 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 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.

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