TEHRAN, IRAN — Iran’s national football team has issued a defiant statement declaring that “no one can exclude us” from the 2026 World Cup, after United States President Donald Trump warned it would be “inappropriate” for them to participate in the tournament co-hosted by the U.S., for their own safety.
In a strongly worded statement posted on social media on Thursday, the team pushed back against Trump’s remarks, insisting that the World Cup is governed by FIFA, not any individual country.
“The World Cup is a historic and international event and its governing body is FIFA – not any individual, country. Iran’s national team, with strength and a series of decisive victories achieved by the brave sons of Iran, was among the first teams to qualify for this major tournament,” the statement read.
The team went further, turning the tables on the host nation. “Certainly, no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup; the only country that could be excluded is one that merely carries the title of ‘host’ yet lacks the ability to provide security for the teams participating in this global event”.
Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei reposted the statement on his personal account, signaling unity with the players.
The controversy erupted after Trump posted on his Truth Social platform: “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety”.
The message appeared to contradict assurances given by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who said earlier this week that Trump had told him Iran would be welcome.
Iran’s participation has been in doubt since U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on February 28 killed the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering a regional conflict.
Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali had earlier declared that “under no circumstances” could Iran participate in the World Cup, citing the assassination of their leader and security concerns.
Iran is drawn in Group G and scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle.
With the tournament set to begin on June 11, FIFA now faces an unprecedented diplomatic crisis just months before kick-off.
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