Iran’s football federation has pushed back against Donald Trump after the U.S. president warned that the national team’s “life and safety” could be at risk if it attends the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The comments sparked international debate because the United States will co-host the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.
Iran’s football authorities have now responded directly to the warning.
Iran Football responds to Donald Trump’s World Cup safety warning
Iran’s football federation issued a statement after Donald Trump suggested the national team should reconsider participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with details of the response reported by ESPN.
Trump had previously written that Iran’s team might face risks to its “life and safety” if it traveled to the tournament, which will largely take place in the United States.
The message came amid ongoing geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran and quickly drew attention because Iran had already secured qualification for the tournament.
“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,” Iran football responded.
Iran qualified for the 2026 World Cup through the Asian qualifying campaign and remains scheduled to compete in the tournament hosted across North America.
Iran federation says no country can exclude team from World Cup
The federation also addressed the suggestion that Iran could be prevented from participating because the tournament will be staged in the United States.
“Certainly no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup,” the statement further added. “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.”
The statement emphasized that FIFA, rather than any individual host nation, controls eligibility and participation in the World Cup.
The situation highlights the political tension that can sometimes intersect with international sport, particularly when global tournaments are staged during periods of diplomatic strain.
For now, Iran remain one of the teams set to compete in the expanded 48-team tournament when the 2026 World Cup kicks off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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