Iran has insisted that no country has the authority to exclude it from the upcoming FIFA World Cup, responding sharply to remarks by President Donald Trump suggesting Iranian players could face safety risks in the United States.
In a statement posted on social media Thursday, Iran’s national football team said participation in the global tournament is governed solely by FIFA, not by any individual country or political leader.
“The World Cup is a historic and international event and its governing body is FIFA — not any individual, country,” the team said.
The response followed comments by Trump on his Truth Social platform warning that although Iran’s team would be welcomed, their “life and safety” could be at risk in the US due to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
“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,” Trump wrote.
Iran’s team rejected the suggestion and stressed that it had already secured qualification through strong performances on the pitch.
“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 further argued that if any nation should be questioned over its participation, it would be a host country unable to guarantee security for teams.
“Certainly no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup; the only country that can 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,” it added.
The controversy comes as tensions continue following the war sparked by joint military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28.
Despite the tensions, Trump later reassured the public that the tournament would remain safe for players and fans worldwide. The event will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“The United States of America looks very much forward to hosting the FIFA World Cup,” Trump wrote, adding that ticket sales for the tournament were “through the roof!”.
