Iran’s national football team has rejected remarks by United States President Donald Trump suggesting it would be ‘inappropriate’ for the country to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stressing that no individual nation has the authority to decide who competes in the global tournament.
In a strongly worded statement, the team emphasised that the World Cup is an international sporting event governed by FIFA, not by any single host country.
“The World Cup is a historic global competition organised by FIFA, not by any one nation,” the statement said, adding that Iran had secured its qualification through a strong record of victories.
The team noted that Iran was among the earliest sides to qualify for the tournament, crediting the achievement to the determination and performances of its players.
“No one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup,” the statement said.
It added pointedly that the only country that could face exclusion would be a host nation unable to ensure the safety and security of teams participating in the international event.
The remarks were widely seen as a reference to the United States, one of the hosts of the 2026 tournament alongside Mexico and Canada.
The debate over security arose after Trump suggested Iran’s participation might be ‘inappropriate for their own safety’, although during an earlier meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino he had reportedly said the Iranian team would be welcomed to compete.
In a separate development, President of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mehdi Taj, hinted that Iran could even consider withdrawing from the 2026 tournament if the event becomes overly politicised.
“Who in their right mind would send their national team to the United States if the World Cup becomes as political as what happened in Australia?” Taj said.
His remark referred to a separate controversy involving Iran’s women’s national team during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup held on Australia’s Gold Coast, where five Iranian players were reportedly granted asylum by Australia after fearing persecution should they return home.
The players had declined to sing the national anthem before their opening match, sparking concerns about their safety upon returning to Iran.
The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is scheduled to kick off on June 11.
Under the tournament draw, Iran is set to face Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt in the group stage, with all matches scheduled to be played in the United States.
Iran is also among several countries whose citizens currently face entry restrictions to the United States. However, Trump has said exemptions would be granted to athletes, officials and their family members travelling for major sporting events, including the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
-THE MALAYSIA VOICE
