Iran said no one can exclude it from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
listen to this article2 minutes
information
Published March 13, 2026
Iran has said no one can exclude Iran from the Soccer World Cup later this year, in response to US President Donald Trump’s warning that the “life and safety” of the team would be at risk.
The Iranian team also said in a social media post Thursday that the United States should not be allowed to co-host the tournament if it cannot guarantee the safety of participating teams.
Recommended stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
President Trump’s comments came just two days after he told FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Iranian players would be welcome despite the war in the Middle East.
“I welcome the Iranian national soccer team to the World Cup, but I really don’t think it’s appropriate for them to be there to protect their lives and safety,” President Trump said on his Truth social platform Thursday.
The Iranian representative responded: “The World Cup is a historic and international event, and its governing body is FIFA, not any individual or country.”
“The Iranian national team was one of the first teams to qualify for this major tournament, with strength and a series of decisive victories achieved by the brave sons of Iran.
“Certainly, no one can exclude the Iranian national team from the World Cup. The only countries that can be excluded are those that simply bear the title of ‘host country’ and lack the ability to provide security for the teams participating in this global event.”
The war, sparked by the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Feb. 28, has called into question Iran’s participation in this summer’s games, which are co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
President Trump later posted another message on his social media platforms, stressing that the tournament will be safe for athletes and spectators around the world.
“The United States of America is very much looking forward to hosting the FIFA World Cup,” President Trump wrote. “Ticket sales are through the roof!”
The social media controversy came after the country’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, said the team would not participate in the wake of the US killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
“Under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup, given that this corrupt regime (USA) assassinated our leader,” the minister said on state television on Wednesday.
