Iran national team responds to Trump remarks, says ‘no one can exclude’ it from the World Cup
Iran national football team has pushed back against comments made by Donald Trump suggesting it might be inappropriate for the team to participate in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
In a post shared on the team’s official Instagram account, the Iranian side insisted that no individual country or political leader has the authority to exclude it from the tournament.
“The World Cup is a historic and international event and its governing body is FIFA — not any individual or country,” the statement read.
Trump raises safety concerns
Trump wrote on social media that the Iranian team would still be welcome to participate despite ongoing tensions involving Iran. However, he also suggested that the situation might make participation risky.
“I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety,” he said in the post. The comments came as the United States prepares to co-host the expanded 48-team tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.
- Related Article: Iran hints at 2026 World Cup boycott after women players defect
Iran says FIFA controls Tournament Participation
Iran’s response emphasized that tournament eligibility falls under the authority of FIFA. The statement suggested that if any nation should face scrutiny, it would be one unable to guarantee safety for participating teams.
“Certainly, no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup,” the post stated.
Iran still planning to participate
Despite political tensions and ongoing regional conflict, Iran has continued preparations for the tournament. The team is currently scheduled to play all three group-stage matches in the United States.
Iran’s group-stage fixtures include:
- June 15 — vs New Zealand national football team in Inglewood
- June 21 — vs Belgium national football team
- June 26 — vs Egypt national football team in Seattle
Iran’s football federation has also been planning to use a base camp in Arizona during the tournament.
- Related Article: 2026 World Cup Draw Reveals All 12 Groups
Mixed signals from U.S. Leadership
Trump’s remarks follow a series of mixed messages regarding Iran’s participation. In previous comments, he said he did not particularly care whether the team participated.
More recently, during a meeting with Gianni Infantino, Trump reportedly reassured the football governing body that the Iranian team would be welcome to compete.
Iran remains a major Asian football power
Iran is one of Asia’s strongest football nations and currently ranks among the top teams globally. According to FIFA rankings, the team sits 20th in the world and has qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup.
Officials from the Iranian football federation are also expected to attend the upcoming FIFA Congress in Vancouver ahead of the tournament. For now, the Iranian team has made it clear that it intends to compete, leaving any final decisions about participation firmly in FIFA’s hands.
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