Iran’s national football team has fired back at United States President Donald Trump after he suggested the team shouldn’t play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup over safety concerns amid rising geopolitical tension. The team insisted that the World Cup is governed by FIFA, not by any single country, and said no one has the right to bar them from taking part. 

In a statement, the Iranian squad affirmed their right to compete in the tournament, highlighting that they earned qualification on merit and should be allowed to attend like all other teams. They also criticised the notion that their participation could be blocked for political reasons. 

Trump had raised concerns about the team’s “life and safety,” saying it might not be appropriate for them to come to the U.S. to play because of ongoing conflict in the Middle East and fears around security. 

Iran’s response underscored that the World Cup is an international sporting event and argued that excluding them would contradict football’s inclusive spirit, adding pressure on FIFA and organisers to defend the team’s place.