FILE – President Donald Trump stands on stage next to the World Cup after receiving the FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, December 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File) Iran has insisted that no one can prevent its national team from participating in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, and has responded strongly to US President Donald Trump’s comments regarding the team’s security in the United States, Canada and Mexico.Iran’s national soccer team issued a statement on social media on Thursday after Trump warned that the “life and safety” of players could be at risk in the US, which is one of three co-hosts of the tournament along with Canada and Mexico.
Trump raises security concerns
Trump’s remarks came just two days after he reportedly assured FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Iranian players would be welcome at the World Cup despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East.Trump said on his Truth Social platform: “Iran’s national soccer team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don’t believe it’s appropriate for them to be there, for their own life and safety.”His comments came amid heightened geopolitical tensions following the war sparked by US-Israeli strikes on February 28, which raised concerns about Iran’s potential participation in the tournament.
Iran reacts strongly
In response, Iran’s national team said the World Cup is run by FIFA and not any single country or individual, adding that the team earned its place in the tournament thanks to great performances, as quoted by AFP.“The World Cup is a historic and international event and its governing body is FIFA, not an individual or a country,” the statement said.The team also emphasized that Iran had qualified on merit, pointing to their impressive performances during the qualification campaign.“The Iranian national team, with the strength and decisive victories achieved by the brave sons of Iran, was among the first teams to qualify for this major tournament,” the statement added.
Host responsibilities questions
Iran also suggested that if the host country cannot ensure the safety of the participating teams, its role as host should be called into question. “Certainly no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup,” the statement said, adding: “The only country that can be excluded is one that only holds the title of ‘host’ but lacks the ability to provide for teams participating in this global event.”The statement appeared to be a direct response to Trump’s warning about security concerns.
Trump assures the security of the tournament
Later, Trump released another message stressing that the United States is ready to host the global event safely. “The United States of America is very excited to host the FIFA World Cup. Ticket sales are ‘through the roof’!”Despite the political tension surrounding Iran’s participation, FIFA has indicated no plans to change the team’s qualification status.
