Iran has insisted that no country has the authority to bar its national football team from the FIFA World Cup, responding to remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting it might be unsafe for the team to participate.
Trump had warned that the Iranian team’s “life and safety” could be at risk if it took part in the upcoming tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In response, Iran said its national side cannot be excluded from the competition, stressing that the World Cup is governed by FIFA rather than by individual countries. Iranian officials argued that only FIFA has the authority to make decisions regarding participation in the global tournament.
The dispute comes as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East following recent military confrontations involving the United States and Iran. The conflict has raised questions over whether Iran will take part in the next edition of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Trump’s comments appeared to contrast with earlier assurances given to FIFA president Gianni Infantino that the Iranian team would be welcome at the tournament.
Iran has already qualified for the 48-team competition, which is scheduled to take place across North America. However, the ongoing geopolitical tensions have cast uncertainty over the country’s participation.
FIFA has yet to announce any decision regarding Iran’s status in the tournament.
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