World Cup 2026: US rejects call to replace Iran with Italy
Friday, April 24, 2026
U.S. officials said Iran’s football team will be allowed to compete
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Iranian football players will be welcomed at this year’s World Cup. Rubio made this announcement on Thursday, clarifying that the United States government is not in favor of a suggestion that Italy could replace them in the tournament. While addressing reporters in the Oval Office, Rubio […] World Cup 2026: US rejects call to replace Iran with Italy