Iran Expected to Compete at 2026 World Cup Despite Trump’s Safety Remarks - Says Asian Football Chief

Iran Expected to Compete at 2026 World Cup Despite Trump’s Safety Remarks - Says Asian Football Chief 

By Admin 

Iran remains on track to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite recent comments from U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting the safety of the Iranian team could be at risk during the tournament.

According to Asian Football Confederation (AFC) General Secretary Windsor John, there has been no indication that Iran will withdraw from the competition. The tournament is scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico beginning in June.

Speaking from the AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, John reaffirmed the continental body’s position that Iran remains a confirmed participant.

“Iran is a member of the AFC and we want them to play,” he said. “As far as we know, they are participating in the World Cup. Ultimately, the decision lies with the Iranian football federation, and they have informed us that they will take part.”

The debate follows remarks made by Trump on social media last week, in which he suggested Iran’s presence at the tournament might be inappropriate due to security concerns, even as he acknowledged that the team would be allowed to compete. In an earlier post, the U.S. president also said he did not care whether Iran participated.

Iran’s national team responded publicly, stating that “no one can exclude” them from the global tournament and expressing confidence about their prospects of advancing to the knockout stage.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has also weighed in. Spokesman Esmail Baghaei called on FIFA to clarify the situation, arguing that statements questioning the safety of Iranian players raised concerns about the host nation’s ability to guarantee security.

“FIFA is the organiser of the World Cup,” Baghaei said. “When warnings are issued at the highest level suggesting the environment is unsafe for Iranian players, it raises serious questions about the host country’s capacity to provide adequate security.”

So far, FIFA has offered limited public response to the controversy. However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously indicated on social media that Iran would be welcomed at the tournament following discussions with Trump.

The ongoing regional tensions have also prompted speculation about whether Iran could ultimately withdraw. Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali recently told state television that the current situation could make participation difficult. Nevertheless, historically no team has declined a World Cup place after qualifying on the field in the past 75 years.

Iran, currently ranked 20th in the world by FIFA and one of Asia’s most successful national teams, has secured qualification for its fourth consecutive World Cup.

The team is scheduled to play all three of its group-stage matches in the United States, facing New Zealand national football team on 16 June, Belgium national football team on 21 June, and Egypt national football team on 26 June.

Officials from the Iran Football Federation are also expected to attend FIFA’s annual congress in Vancouver on 30 April, after missing preparatory meetings earlier this month in Atlanta.