The Iranian national team strikes back at Trump for his threat to exclude the country from the Upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Iran, in response to President Donald Trump’s warning that the team’s “lives and safety” would be at risk in the United States, said that no one could exclude it from the World Cup to be held later this year.
The Iranian team also stated in a social media post on Thursday that the United States should not be allowed to host the tournament if it cannot guaranty the safety of the participating teams.
Trump’s comments came just two days after FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Iranian players would be welcomed despite the Middle East conflict.
Trump said on the Truth Social platform on Thursday, “Welcome to the Iranian National Football Team at the World Cup, but I really don’t think it’s appropriate for them to be there for their own lives and safety.”
The Iranian team responded: “The World Cup is a historical and international event, and its governing body is FIFA – not any individual or country.”
The Iranian national team, with a series of decisive victories and the strength of Iran’s brave sons, was among the first teams to qualify for this grand tournament. “Iran’s national team, with a series of decisive victories and strength achieved by the brave sons of Iran, was among the first teams to qualify for this great tournament.”
“Of course, no one can exclude the Iranian national team from the World Cup; the only country that can be excluded is one that, while holding the title of ‘host,’ lacks the ability to provide security for teams participating in this global event.” “Of course, no one can exclude the Iranian national team from the World Cup; the only country that can be excluded is one that, while holding the title of ‘host,’ lacks the ability to provide security for teams participating in this global event.”
The war triggered by the US-Israel attacks on February 28 has cast doubt on Iran’s participation in this summer’s tournament, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Trump later posted another message on social media to emphasize that the event would be safe for players and spectators coming from all over the world.
Trump wrote, “The United States is looking forward to hosting the FIFA World Cup.” “Ticket sales are ‘through the roof!'”
The social media debate arose after the country’s sports minister, Ahmed Donyamali, stated that the team would not participate following the U.S. killing of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The minister said in an interview with state television on Wednesday, “Given that this corrupt regime [the U.S.] assassinated our leader, we cannot participate in the World Cup under any circumstances.”
