Tehran — Iran’s national soccer team has firmly rejected former President Donald Trump’s warning that their “life and safety” could be at risk if they participate in the upcoming World Cup in the United States.
In a statement posted on social media Thursday, Iran emphasized that the World Cup is governed by FIFA, not any single nation, and that no country has the authority to bar a qualified team from competing. “Certainly no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup,” the statement said, adding that the only nation that could be questioned is one “that merely carries the title of ‘host’ yet lacks the ability to provide security for the teams participating in this global event.”
Trump’s comments, made on his Truth Social platform, came shortly after he assured FIFA chief Gianni Infantino that Iranian players would be welcome. “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,” he wrote.
The dispute comes amid heightened tensions following US-Israeli military strikes in the Middle East on February 28, raising questions about Iran’s participation in the joint North American-hosted tournament this summer, which spans the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Trump later sought to reassure fans and players worldwide, touting strong ticket sales and the safety of the event. “The United States of America looks very much forward to hosting the FIFA World Cup,” he posted, noting that ticket sales are “through the roof!”
Iran, which was among the first teams to qualify for the tournament, highlighted its recent string of victories and pledged to compete despite geopolitical tensions.
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