US to Screen Irans Football World Cup Delegation for IRGC Affiliations

The United States has announced plans to scrutinize the delegation from Iran attending the upcoming FIFA World Cup to ensure that no individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are part of the team. The IRGC, which is a branch of Irans armed forces, has been designated by the U.S. as a terrorist organization due to its involvement in various conflicts and support for groups designated as terrorist entities.

This move aligns with ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, particularly over Irans nuclear program and its military activities in the region. The decision to screen the Iranian delegation aims to prevent potential infiltration by individuals associated with the IRGC, which could exacerbate diplomatic relations and raise security concerns during the international sporting event.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, will feature teams from around the globe, and ensuring the safety and security of all delegations is a top priority for the organizing committees and governmental agencies involved. U.S. authorities are coordinating with FIFA to implement the screening process, which reflects broader efforts to monitor and mitigate risks associated with hostile entities at international events.