President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that he does not think it is appropriate for Iran to participate in the 2026 World Cup due to safety concerns.
Trump said, “The Iranian national football team is welcome at the World Cup, but I really don’t think it’s appropriate for them to be there, for their own safety and well-being.”
For its part, the Iranian national team responded, emphasizing that its participation in the World Cup is not subject to the decision of any individual or country.
The Iranian national team wrote on Instagram, “The World Cup is a historic and international event, and the body responsible for it is FIFA, not any individual or country. The Iranian national team, through its 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.”
They added, “Certainly, no one can exclude the Iranian national team; the only country that can be excluded is one that holds the title of ‘host’ while lacking the ability to provide security for the teams participating in this global event.”
Iran’s sports minister had announced his country’s withdrawal from the World Cup, before other official statements emerged on Thursday indicating that the Iranian national team would welcome participation in the tournament, provided security guarantees were received.
It is worth noting that the draw placed Iran in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. Their matches were scheduled to be played at Sophie Stadium in Englewood, California, and Lomen Field in Seattle. The team was also slated to establish a training base in Tucson, Nevada, and Arizona.
