Iran’s national football team has delivered a fierce response to President Donald Trump’s warning that their “life and safety” would be at risk attending this summer’s World Cup in the United States.
In a defiant social media post Thursday, Iran declared “no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup”, insisting FIFA – not Trump or any single nation, governs the tournament.
Trump had posted on Truth Social: “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.”
Iran responded, “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.”
The escalating US-Iran conflict, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on February 28, threatens Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Trump later doubled down, insisting: “The United States of America looks very much forward to hosting the FIFA World Cup. Ticket sales are ‘through the roof!'”
Iran, having qualified early through strong performances, demands FIFA uphold their right to compete regardless of geopolitical tensions.