Iran Soccer Team Pushes Back on Trump's World Cup Exclusion Threat

Iran's national team says 'no one can exclude' it from playing in the 2026 World Cup in the U.S.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:51pm

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Iran's national soccer team has pushed back against U.S. President Donald Trump's comments suggesting the team should be excluded from the 2026 World Cup in the United States. In an Instagram post, the team said "no one can exclude" Iran's national team from the tournament, which is run by FIFA, not any individual country. Iran is scheduled to play three group stage matches in the U.S. during the World Cup.

Why it matters

The ongoing regional conflict between the U.S. and Iran has raised doubts about Iran's participation in the World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Trump's comments about excluding Iran's team have further escalated tensions, with the Iranian team asserting its right to compete in the global tournament.

The details

Iran's national soccer team responded to Trump's comments on its official Instagram account, stating that the World Cup is an "international event" governed by FIFA, not any individual country. The team said it still plans to participate in the tournament and compete in its three group stage matches scheduled to be played in the U.S. Iran is ranked 20th in the world by FIFA and has qualified for its fourth straight 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 suggested Iran's national soccer team should be excluded from the 2026 World Cup.

Gianni Infantino

The President of FIFA, the international governing body of association football, who Trump assured 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 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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The takeaway

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