Iran have dismissed suggestions that they could be barred from the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The response comes after US President Donald Trump stated that it will be “appropriate” for the “life and safety” of the team not to take part in the mundial though they will be welcome.
Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, had sparked controversy when he hinted that they could not participate in the tournament, to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and USA, due to the recent killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” Ahmad Donyamali is quoted by Al Jazeera as saying.
But after Donald Trump’s response, the Asian team took to social media and official channels to assert their right to compete.
They emphasised that the tournament belongs to the global football community rather than any single nation.
“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.
“Certainly no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup. 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,” they took a swipe at the US.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reportedly received assurances from the U.S. administration that all qualified teams will be allowed entry.
However, the Iranian team’s statement shifts the narrative, suggesting that if safety cannot be guaranteed, it is the host’s eligibility—not the participant’s—that should be under scrutiny.
IR Iran are in Group G together with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand with all their matches scheduled to be played in the US.