US EditionIran soccer team pushes back on Trump comments, says ‘no one can exclude’ it from the World Cup
Trump cited safety concerns for Iran's players at the U.S.-hosted 2026 World Cup; Iran insists no team can be excluded and stresses FIFA governs tournament participation.
- On Thursday, Former U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Truth Social that Iran's national soccer team should not travel to the World Cup in the United States for their own safety.
- The regional war triggered by US-Israeli strikes on February 28 has cast doubt on Iran's ability to take part in the World Cup, and Ahmad Donyamali, Iran sports minister, told state TV 'under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup'.
- Posting on its official Instagram, the team said 'Certainly, no one can exclude Iran's national team from the World Cup' and argued FIFA governs the event, not any individual or country.
- Iranian soccer officials will attend FIFA's annual congress on April 30 in Vancouver to address security concerns, while the team is scheduled to play New Zealand in Inglewood on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
- Analysts say the episode raises questions about host security and political signalling as commentators flagged a vague whiff of menace and noted Trump's mixed messages last week and on Tuesday.
95 Articles
95 Articles
Iran hits back at Donald Trump's 'life and safety' comments ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is looming on the horizon; the marquee tournament is all set to be co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada. With the ongoing West Asia war, the participation of Iran in the tournament has been put into question. The country’s sports minister recently came forward and revealed that Iran will not travel to the USA for the World Cup, while the country has not officially pulled out of the tournament. Speaking on the same, t…
Los Angeles Times
Independent EspañolIn response to President Donald Trump’s comments, Iran’s national football team stated that “nobody can exclude it” from playing at the World Cup in the United States.
Iran's national football team is not intimidated by Donald Trump's World Cup warning and also verbally turns to counterattack. The association criticizes the security situation in the host country USA.
Iran's national football team is not intimidated by Donald Trump's World Cup warning and criticises the security situation in the host country USA.
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