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

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

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:50pm

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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, saying 'no one can exclude' Iran from the tournament. The team's official Instagram account stated that the World Cup is run by FIFA, not any individual or country, and that the only team that could be excluded is the host nation if it cannot provide security for the participating teams.

Why it matters

The ongoing regional conflict between the U.S. and Iran has raised doubts about Iran's ability to participate in the World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Trump's comments have further escalated tensions and could potentially lead to Iran's exclusion from the tournament, which would be a major blow to the Iranian national team and its fans.

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. Iran's soccer federation had planned to use a tournament base camp in Tucson, Arizona. However, the regional conflict has put Iran's World Cup participation in jeopardy, with the country's sports minister stating this week that the current circumstances make it impossible to play. Iran's national team has pushed back, stating that the World Cup is run by FIFA, not any individual or country, and that no one can exclude Iran from the tournament.

  • Iran is scheduled to play its first World Cup group match on June 15, 2026 in Inglewood, California.
  • Iran is scheduled to play its second World Cup group match on June 21, 2026 in Inglewood, California.
  • Iran is scheduled to play its third World Cup group match on June 26, 2026 in Seattle, Washington.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who made comments suggesting Iran's national soccer team should be excluded from the 2026 World Cup.

Gianni Infantino

The President of FIFA, the governing body of international soccer.

Ahmad Donyamali

The sports minister of Iran who stated that the current circumstances make it impossible 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

Iran's soccer federation is due to attend FIFA's annual congress on April 30, 2026 in Vancouver, where they are expected to further discuss the team's participation in the 2026 World Cup.

The takeaway

The ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran have created uncertainty around Iran's ability to participate in the 2026 World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the U.S. This dispute highlights the complex geopolitical challenges that can arise when hosting a global sporting event, and the importance of FIFA maintaining its independence and ensuring the safety and security of all participating teams.