Iran’s national football team has dismissed former US President Donald Trump’s warning that their players could face safety risks if they compete in this year’s FIFA World Cup, insisting that no country can bar them from participation
In a statement posted on social media, the Iranian Football Federation emphasized that the World Cup is governed by FIFA, not by the political position of any nation. The federation stressed that Iran earned its spot through hard-fought victories and would not bow to outside pressure.
Trump had raised concerns about the safety of Iranian players amid recent Middle East tensions, suggesting that their presence at the tournament could put them at risk. He later tweeted that all teams would be welcome in the United States, one of the co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico, adding that ticket sales were “through the roof.”
Iran responded by asserting that any host nation unable to guarantee security for visiting teams should reconsider its role in the tournament. The statement reiterated that the team’s qualification was earned fairly and that it would not accept any attempt to exclude them.
The remarks come amid heightened regional tensions following US‑Israeli strikes in February, creating uncertainty over Iran’s participation. The team is scheduled to play group-stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle, but questions linger over whether it will travel to the United States.
FIFA has not issued an official comment, though Trump reportedly assured the organisation’s leadership that Iran would be allowed to compete. Tehran, however, continues to question whether host nations can fully ensure the safety of all teams and spectators.
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