Iran has rejected former US President Donald Trump’s warning that its players’ “life and safety” could be at risk at this year’s FIFA World Cup, insisting that no country or individual can exclude its national team from the tournament.
In a statement shared on social media on Thursday, the Iranian team criticized Trump’s comments and questioned the United States’ ability to guarantee security for all participating teams.
“The World Cup is a historic and international event governed by FIFA, not any individual or country,” the statement read. “Iran’s national team, through the bravery and achievements of its players, was among the first to qualify for this major tournament. Certainly, no one can exclude Iran from the World Cup; the only country that can be questioned is one that holds the title of host but cannot ensure safety for all teams.”
Trump had posted on Truth Social two days earlier that while the Iranian team would be welcome, he did not believe it was “appropriate” for them to participate given safety concerns. He later sought to reassure fans, emphasizing that the United States was ready to host the event and that ticket sales were “through the roof.”
The dispute comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East following US-Israeli strikes on February 28, which have cast uncertainty over Iran’s participation in the joint 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Iran’s statement underscores its determination to participate, positioning FIFA — not host nations or political figures — as the ultimate authority over the tournament.
