Rubio Says Iran’s Soccer Team Can Attend World Cup

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that while the players were welcome, anyone accompanying them who has links to the Iranian military would be denied entry.

By Qasim Nauman

US says Iran players welcome at 2026 World Cup amid call for Italy to take their place

No one from United States ‘told them they can’t come’, Rubio said Iranian delegation members judged to have ties to IRGC may be barred Iran’s footballers will be welcome at this year’s World Cup, secretary of state Marco Rubio said Thursday, distancing the United States government from a proposal that Italy could take their place in the tournament. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Rubio denied that the government had asked the Iranian team not to come to the World Cup – but warned ...

By AFP

Mexico is adorned with thousands of murals to reclaim public spaces ahead of the World Cup

More than one million young people have participated in the events promoted by the Mexican Youth Institute to create community awareness

By Diego Mancera

Italian officials slam ‘shameful’ proposal from Trump envoy for Azzuri to replace Iran at World Cup

Italian officials have wasted no time in slamming a suggestion from U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli that the Azzuri should take Iran's place at the upcoming FIFA World Cup

King Charles to visit US as political ties fray under Trump - The Straits Times

King Charles to visit US as political ties fray under Trump  The Straits Times

‘Can’t bring IRGC terrorists’: US draws red line on Iran World Cup entry, flags ‘pretend trainers’

Marco Rubio said that the concern lies with non-playing members travelling with the team. “The problem with Iran would be not their athletes."

Miguel Delaney: Could Italy really replace Iran at World Cup 2026? If so why not Ireland?

Fifa is still aiming for Iran to play at the 2026 World Cup, despite the suggestion of Italy replacing them illustrating how the situation is reaching ever deeper levels of politicisation.

US not against Iran's participation in World Cup, but ties to IRGC not allowed, Rubio says

Rubio's remarks came after a top envoy to US President Donald Trump asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup.

Italy dismisses talk of replacing Iran at upcoming World Cup

The Iranian embassy to Rome responded by saying that the suggestion showed U.S. "moral bankruptcy."

US says it does not object to Iran playing in World Cup but people with ties to IRGC won't be allowed

Italy dismisses replacing Iran at the World Cup after suggestion by Trump official - Arab News

Italy dismisses replacing Iran at the World Cup after suggestion by Trump official  Arab News

King Charles to visit US as political ties fray under Trump

King Charles III’s state visit to the US aims to mend ties frayed by tensions over the Iran war and the long shadow of the Epstein scandal. Read More: https://punchng.com/king-charles-to-visit-us-as-political-ties-fray-under-trump/

By Punch Newspapers

Rubio denies US trying to exclude Iran players from World Cup

The United States will not exclude Iran from the World Cup tournament it is hosting, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday, after an official mused about replacing war-battered Iran with Italy, which did not qualify. The post Rubio denies US trying to exclude Iran players from World Cup appeared first on Vanguard News.

By Henry Oduah

2026 World Cup: Italy rebukes a Trump ally and defends sporting merit - Seneweb

2026 World Cup: Italy rebukes a Trump ally and defends sporting merit  Seneweb