Iran says nobody can exclude it from the FIFA World Cup 2026, which is co-hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico.
Printed On 13 Mar 2026
Iran says nobody can exclude it from the soccer World Cup later this 12 months, in response to President Donald Trump’s warning that the group’s “life and security” could be in danger in the USA.
The Iranian group additionally mentioned within the social media publish on Thursday that the US shouldn’t be allowed to co-host the tournament if it couldn’t assure the protection of the groups collaborating.
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Trump’s comments got here simply two days after he advised FIFA chief Gianni Infantino the Iranian gamers would be welcome, regardless of the Center East conflict.
“The Iran Nationwide Soccer Workforce is welcome to The World Cup, however I actually don’t consider it’s acceptable that they be there, for their very own life and security,” Trump mentioned on his Fact Social platform on Thursday.
Iran’s group responded: “The World Cup is a historic and worldwide occasion and its governing physique is FIFA — not any particular person, nation.
“Iran’s nationwide group, with energy and a sequence of decisive victories achieved by the courageous sons of Iran, was among the many first groups to qualify for this main event.
“Definitely nobody can exclude Iran’s nationwide group from the World Cup; the one nation that may be excluded is one which merely carries the title of ‘host’ but lacks the power to offer safety for the groups collaborating on this international occasion.”
The conflict, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on February 28, has thrown into doubt Iran’s participation at this summer season’s event, collectively hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Trump later posted one other message on his social media platform to stress that the occasion could be protected for gamers and spectators from world wide.
“The USA of America appears very a lot ahead to internet hosting the FIFA World Cup,” Trump wrote. “Ticket gross sales are ‘via the roof!’”
The social media spat comes after the nation’s sports activities minister Ahmad Donyamali mentioned the group wouldn’t be collaborating after the US killed its Supreme Chief Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“Contemplating that this corrupt regime [the US] has assassinated our chief, certainly not can we take part in the World Cup,” the minister advised state tv on Wednesday.
