Iran Soccer Team Pushes Back on Trump Comments, Says 'No One Can Exclude' It from World Cup

Iran's national soccer team responds to U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about their participation in the 2026 World Cup.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:54pm

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Pushing back on U.S. President Donald Trump's comments, Iran's national soccer team says 'no one can exclude' it from playing in the men's World Cup in the United States. The team's Instagram post suggested that if anyone should be excluded, it's the U.S. team, not Iran's, as Trump had indicated the host country couldn't guarantee the safety of the Iranian players.

Why it matters

The ongoing regional tensions between the U.S. and Iran have raised doubts about Iran's ability to participate in the 2026 World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Iran's soccer team is asserting its right to play in the tournament, despite Trump's comments.

The details

Iran is scheduled to play all three of its World Cup group games in the U.S., including matches in Inglewood, California, and Seattle. The Iranian soccer federation has planned to use a tournament base camp in Arizona. However, the team's sports minister said this week that the current circumstances make it not possible to play. The team's Instagram post pushed back, saying the World Cup is run by FIFA, not any individual or country, and that 'no one can exclude Iran's national team from the World Cup'.

  • Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt on June 26 in the 2026 World Cup group stage.
  • The Iranian soccer federation is due to attend FIFA's annual congress on April 30 in Vancouver.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who made comments suggesting Iran's soccer team should not be allowed to participate in the 2026 World Cup.

Gianni Infantino

The President of FIFA, the international governing body of association football, who met with Trump at the White House and assured him that Iran's team was welcome at the World Cup.

Ahmad Donyamali

The sports minister of Iran, who told state TV that the current circumstances make it not possible for Iran to play in the 2026 World Cup.

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What they’re saying

“I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”

— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President (Social media post)

What’s next

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