Iran has reacted strongly to the US President’s comments, stressing that no one can stop its national team from participating in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Donald Trump About team safety in the United States, Canada and Mexico.Iran’s national soccer team released a statement on social media Thursday after Trump warned that the “lives and safety” of players could be at risk in the United States, which is one of three co-hosts of the tournament along with Canada and Mexico.
Trump expressed security concerns.
Trump’s remarks came just two days after he reportedly assured FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Iranian players would be welcome at the World Cup despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East.Posting on his Truth social platform, Trump said: “Iran’s national soccer team is welcome at the World Cup, but I really don’t think it’s appropriate for them to be there for their lives and safety”.His comments come amid heightened geopolitical tensions since the war sparked by US-Israeli strikes on February 28, which has raised concerns over Iran’s possible participation in the tournament.
Iran responded strongly.
In response, Iran’s national team said the World Cup is administered by FIFA and not by any single country or individual, adding that the team qualified for the tournament through strong performances, as quoted by AFP.The statement said that the World Cup is a historic and international event and its governing body is FIFA, not an individual or a country.The team also emphasized that Iran had qualified on merit, pointing to their impressive performances during the qualification campaign.“The national team of Iran, with the strength and decisive victories of the brave sons of Iran, was among the first teams to qualify for this major tournament,” the statement added.
Questions were raised about the host’s responsibilities.
Iran also suggested that its role as host should be questioned if the host country cannot ensure the safety of the participating teams. “Certainly no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup,” the statement read, adding, “The only country that can be excluded is one that merely holds the title of ‘host’ but lacks the ability to provide security to the teams participating in this global event.”The statement appeared to be a direct response to Trump’s warning about security concerns.
Trump assured the security of the tournament
Trump later issued another message stressing that the United States is ready to host the global event safely. “The United States is very much looking forward to hosting it. FIFA World Cup. Ticket sales ‘through the roof!’Despite the political tension surrounding Iran’s participation, FIFA has not indicated any plans to change the team’s eligibility status.
