Iran has firmly rejected US President Donald Trump’s warning over the safety of its players, insisting that its national soccer team will compete in this year’s FIFA World Cup.
Trump had expressed concerns on social media, suggesting that while Iranian players would be welcome, their safety in the United States a co-host of the tournament could be at risk amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
In response, Iran’s team emphasized that the World Cup is governed by FIFA, not any single country. The team highlighted its strong performance in qualifying matches and said that “no one can exclude Iran” from the tournament. They also criticized the United States, stating it should not host the event if it cannot guarantee the security of all participating teams.
The conflict, triggered by US and Israeli military strikes on February 28, has cast doubt over Iran’s participation, but the team reaffirmed its commitment to compete.
Trump later reassured the public that the tournament would be safe for all players and spectators, noting strong ticket sales and expressing enthusiasm about hosting the global event.
