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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Will Castle

US says Iran’s players are welcome at 2026 World Cup after Italy mooted as replacement

Donald Trump Iran Italy World Cup United States Marco Rubio Paolo Zampolli Andrea Abodi Azzurri Fifa

Iran’s footballers and staff will be welcome on American soil for the 2026 World Cup, secretary of state Marco Rubio has insisted, after it was revealed the idea of replacing the country with Italy was floated to Donald Trump.

Iran’s participation in the World Cup, jointly hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, has been cast into doubt with the US-Iran conflict still unresolved.

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