World Cup
U.S. Clears Iranian Players for 2026 World Cup, Bars IRGC-Linked Individuals
Marco Rubio has said the United States has no objection to Iranian players competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but warned that individuals linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will not be allowed entry.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Rubio stressed that Washington’s position is to protect athletes while maintaining national security restrictions.
“Nothing from the U.S. has told them they can’t come,” Rubio said, referring to Iran’s participation in the tournament.
Donald Trump also echoed that stance, saying his administration “would not want to affect the athletes,” in remarks at the White House.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to kick off on June 11, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
However, Rubio drew a firm line regarding non-playing personnel.
“The problem with Iran would be not their athletes. It would be some of the other people they would want to bring with them, some of whom have ties to the IRGC. We may not be able to let them in—but not the athletes themselves,” he said.
He added: “They can’t bring a bunch of IRGC terrorists into our country and pretend that they are journalists and athletic trainers,” noting that Washington has designated the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organisation.
The comments come amid earlier controversy sparked by Paolo Zampolli, who suggested that Italy should replace Iran at the tournament—a proposal that drew criticism and has no official backing.
There has been no indication that Iran will withdraw from the competition or face a ban. Iran had previously requested that its group-stage matches be moved from the United States to Mexico following the outbreak of hostilities, but that request was rejected by FIFA.
Tensions remain high after the escalation of conflict involving the U.S., Israel and Iran earlier this year. A fragile ceasefire has been in place for just over two weeks following a series of strikes and counter-strikes that resulted in significant casualties and displacement across the region.
Despite the geopolitical backdrop, U.S. officials insist the tournament will proceed with athletes at its centre, even as security considerations shape participation off the pitch.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA
Morocco have become the first African nation to book a place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after securing qualification from Group C with a match to spare.
The Atlas Lions sealed their passage to the Round of 32 following a 4-2 victory over Haiti in Atlanta, capping an impressive group-stage campaign that also included a goalless draw against Brazil and a 1-0 victory over Scotland.
The result ensured Morocco accumulated seven points from their three group matches, guaranteeing progression and making them the first of Africa’s representatives to reach the tournament’s knockout phase.
Morocco’s qualification continues the country’s impressive World Cup pedigree after becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The North Africans have once again demonstrated their consistency on football’s biggest stage, finishing the group phase unbeaten.
While Morocco can now prepare for the Round of 32, the race continues for Africa’s other representatives. South Africa, Algeria, Egypt and DR Congo all remain in contention for qualification, while Tunisia have already been eliminated.
The Atlas Lions will now await their Round of 32 opponents as they bid to extend another memorable World Cup campaign and continue flying the African flag in the knockout rounds.
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Vinicius Junior scored twice as Brazil romped into the second round of the World Cup as Group C winners with a 3-0 victory over Scotland on Wednesday, a result that left the Scots relying on other results going their way to progress.
The electric Real Madrid forward opened the scoring courtesy of a Scottish mix-up in the seventh minute and added his second with a header in first-half stoppage time before Matheus Cunha rounded out the scoring on the hour mark.
The comfortable win, which featured the return after a long absence of Neymar, combined with Morocco’s 4-2 win over Haiti, put Brazil on the road to Houston, where they will meet the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden next Monday.
Scotland, who disappointed their Tartan Army with a timid and error-prone display in the first half, will now hope to advance as one of the eight third-placed teams with the best records over the 12 groups.
-Reuters
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Morocco secured their place in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup despite being forced to come from behind twice before defeating spirited Haiti 4-2 in an enthralling Group C encounter on Thursday.
The Atlas Lions finished level on seven points with group winners Brazil, who cruised to a 3-0 victory over Scotland, but had to settle for second place on goal difference. The result means Morocco will now face the winners of Group F — Japan, the Netherlands or Sweden — in the first knockout round.
Although qualification was achieved, the North Africans were made to work hard by a determined Haitian side that exited the tournament with renewed respect despite losing all three group matches in their first World Cup appearance in 52 years.
Haiti stunned Morocco after just 10 minutes when an attack involving Josue Casimir and Jean-Kevin Duverne ended with Lenny Joseph’s backheel forcing the ball into the net off goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. FIFA later ruled the effort an own goal by the Moroccan goalkeeper, adding to the growing list of own goals at the tournament.
Morocco, however, responded positively. Veteran Haitian goalkeeper Johny Placide, making his final international appearance after 15 years of service, frustrated the Atlas Lions with a string of outstanding saves, denying both Ayoub El Kaabi and captain Achraf Hakimi.
The resistance finally broke in the 39th minute when Placide could only parry Bilal El Khannouss’ cross into the path of Hakimi, who reacted quickest to bundle home the equaliser.
The joy was short-lived as Haiti restored their advantage just four minutes later. Duverne turned provider once again, laying the ball off for Wilson Isidor, whose thunderous strike from outside the penalty area left Bounou helpless.
Morocco’s response was immediate. Captain Hakimi surged down the right following an incisive pass from Sofyan Amrabat before cutting the ball back for Ismael Saibari, who calmly slotted home to make it 2-2. It was Saibari’s third goal in as many World Cup appearances, underlining his growing importance to Walid Regragui’s side.
With the game delicately poised, Morocco finally seized control in the 78th minute. Haiti failed to clear a corner, allowing substitute Soufiane Rahimi to control the loose ball before smashing home from close range despite strong protests from the Caribbean side, who appealed unsuccessfully for a foul.
The Atlas Lions sealed victory in stoppage time when Rahimi raced into the area and squared for 20-year-old Gessime Yassine to tap into an empty net. Haitian players halted, believing the ball had gone out of play, but a VAR review confirmed the goal.
The victory maintained Morocco’s unbeaten run in the tournament and ensured progression to the knockout stage, where sterner tests await. While missing out on top spot in Group C, the Atlas Lions will take confidence from their resilience and attacking quality as they prepare for the next phase of their World Cup campaign.
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