‘No one can exclude us’: Iran hits back at Trump's 'Skip FIFA World Cup' remark

FILE - President Donald Trump stands on stage next to the FIFA World Cup after receiving the FIFA Peace Prize during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

Iran has insisted that no one can prevent its national team from participating in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, responding strongly to comments made by US President Donald Trump regarding the team’s safety in the United States, Canada & Mexico. The Iranian national football team issued a statement on social media on Thursday after Trump warned that the players’ “life and safety” could be at risk in the US, which is one of the three co-hosts of the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.

Trump raises safety concerns

Trump’s remarks came just two days after he reportedly assured FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Iranian players would be welcomed at the World Cup despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump said: “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". His comments came amid heightened geopolitical tensions following a war triggered by US-Israeli strikes on February 28, which has raised concerns over Iran’s potential participation in the tournament.

Iran responds strongly

In response, Iran’s national team said the World Cup is governed by FIFA and not by any single country or individual, adding that the team had earned its place in the tournament through strong performances as quoted by AFP. “The World Cup is a historic and international event and its governing body is FIFA, not any individual or country,” the statement said. The team also stressed that Iran had qualified on merit, pointing to its impressive performances during the qualification campaign. “Iran’s national team, with strength and decisive victories achieved by the brave sons of Iran, was among the first teams to qualify for this major tournament,” the statement further added.

Questions raised over host responsibilities

Iran also suggested that if the host nation cannot ensure safety for participating teams, its role as host should be questioned. “Certainly no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup," read the statement, adding, "The only country that can be excluded is one that merely carries the title of ‘host’ yet lacks the ability to provide security for teams participating in this global event.” The statement appeared to be a direct response to Trump’s warning about safety concerns.

Trump reassures safety for the tournament

Later, Trump posted another message emphasising that the United States is ready to host the global event safely. “The United States of America looks very much forward to hosting the FIFA World Cup. Ticket sales are ‘through the roof!’” Despite the political tensions surrounding Iran’s participation, FIFA has not indicated any plans to alter the qualification status of the team.

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