U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told Fox News that an individual with direct ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attempted to board Iran's national team flight from Mexico to Los Angeles on Sunday, the day of Iran's World Cup Group G match against Belgium.
Iran's federation rejected the claim, denying that any such incident occurred. Mullin provided no names or supporting evidence for the assertion, and details about the individual or circumstances remain undisclosed.
Iran has faced various security and logistical constraints during the 2026 World Cup, with the team competing amid U.S. political and diplomatic tensions. Any confirmed security incident involving a national team would raise significant concerns about tournament operations and player safety.
Unconfirmed security claims affecting Iran's participation could impact betting markets on Group G outcomes; markets on Iran's remaining fixtures and tournament progression odds may shift if further incidents emerge.