FILE – President Donald Trump stands on stage next to the FIFA World Cup trophy after receiving the FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Martin, File)
Iran has insisted that no one can prevent its national team from participating in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, responding strongly to comments made by US President Donald Trump regarding the safety of the team in the United States, Canada and Mexico.The Iranian national football 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 United States, which is one of the three host countries for the tournament along with Canada and Mexico.
Trump raises safety concerns
Trump’s comments came just two days after he assured FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Iranian players would be welcomed to the World Cup despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
“The Iranian national soccer team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don’t think it’s appropriate for them to be there, for their lives and safety,” Trump said in a post on his Social Truth platform.”.His comments came amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the wake of the war sparked by US-Israeli strikes on February 28, which raised concerns about Iran’s potential participation in the tournament.
Iran responds forcefully
In response, the Iranian national team said that the World Cup is organized by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) and not by any country or individual, adding that the team earned its place in the tournament through strong performances, Agence France-Presse reported.
The statement said: “The World Cup is a historical and international event, and its governing body is FIFA, not any individual or country.”The team also stressed that Iran qualified well deservedly, noting its wonderful performance during the qualifiers.The statement added that the Iranian national team, with its strength and decisive victories achieved by the brave sons of Iran, was one of the first teams to qualify for this major tournament.
Questions asked about the host’s responsibilities
Iran also suggested that if the host country cannot guarantee the safety of the participating teams, its role as host should be questioned. He added: “Certainly no one can exclude the Iranian national team from the World Cup.” Read the statement adding “The only country that can be excluded is the country that only holds the title of ‘host’ but lacks the capacity to provide security for the teams participating in this global event.”The statement appeared to be a direct response to Trump’s warning about safety concerns.
Trump reassures the safety of the tournament
Later, Trump posted another message in which he stressed that the United States is ready to host the global event safely. “The USA can’t wait to host the FIFA World Cup. Ticket sales are at an all-time high!”Despite the political tensions surrounding Iran’s participation, FIFA has not indicated any plans to change the team’s qualification status.
