Iran has pushed back against comments by Donald Trump suggesting its national team could face safety risks at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, insisting that no country has the authority to bar it from the global tournament.
In a statement posted on social media Thursday, the Iranian national team said the World Cup is governed solely by FIFA and not by any individual nation or political leader.
“The World Cup is a historic international event, and its governing body is FIFA—not any individual or country,” the team said. “Certainly no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup.”
Trump raises safety concerns
Trump had earlier suggested that Iran’s participation might not be appropriate due to security concerns in the United States, one of the tournament’s host nations.
“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,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform.
The remark came just two days after Trump reportedly told FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Iranian players would be welcome at the tournament despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Iran defends qualification
Iran’s team said it had earned its place in the competition through strong performances during the qualification stage.
“With strength and decisive victories achieved by the brave sons of Iran, our national team was among the first to qualify for this major tournament,” the statement said.
The team also suggested that if a host nation cannot guarantee the safety of participating teams, it should reconsider its role in hosting the event.
Tensions amid regional conflict
The dispute comes amid heightened tensions following the outbreak of a Middle East conflict triggered by strikes on February 28 involving the United States and Israel.
The situation has raised questions about Iran’s participation in the upcoming World Cup, which is scheduled to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
US assures tournament security
Following the controversy, Trump posted another message assuring fans and teams that the tournament would be safe for participants and spectators.
“The United States of America looks very much forward to hosting the FIFA World Cup,” he wrote, adding that ticket sales for the tournament were already “through the roof.”
Despite the political tensions, FIFA has not indicated any change to Iran’s participation in the competition.
