US Will Block Revolutionary Guard-Linked Officials From Iranian World Cup Delegation

The United States has made clear it will scrutinize the composition of Iran's delegation for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, with officials pledging to prevent those with ties to Iran's Revolutionary Guard from entering the country.

During testimony before a House of Representatives committee on Tuesday, US officials outlined their position on Iranian participation in the tournament. While Washington has no objection to the entry of Iranian football players and legitimate sports personnel, the administration intends to maintain strict oversight of delegation membership.

"What we will not allow is for them to include in their delegation a group of people who we know have nothing to do with sports and have connections to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard or things like that, so we will monitor that closely," officials stated during the hearing.

The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iran's national team is scheduled to play its matches within the United States, while establishing its training camp in Mexico throughout the tournament. The policy reflects ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran, though US authorities have indicated they distinguish between legitimate sports participation and other activities.

This approach signals the administration's intent to use the tournament as an opportunity to enforce restrictions on individuals deemed security concerns, even as the country prepares to host one of international sports' largest events.