The Iranian national team publicly reaffirmed its intention to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the political tensions that have arisen over its participation in the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The debate arose after Iranian authorities and political leaders expressed concerns about the team’s safety on U.S. soil. However, the Asian national team made it clear that they are not contemplating withdrawing from the tournament for which they qualified on the field.
Iran responds: “No one can take us out”
Through a statement released on official social networks, representatives of the Iranian team defended their right to compete in the 2026 World Cup.
In the message they pointed out that the World Cup is an international competition organized by FIFA, and that no host country has the power to decide which teams participate.
“The World Cup is a historic and international event and its organizer is FIFA, not a particular country.”
“The Iranian National Team qualified for this event with authority and a string of consecutive victories.”
“Undoubtedly, no one can take the Iranian national team out of the competition,” the statement released by the team said.
So far, there has been no official communication with FIFA requesting withdrawal from the tournament.
In addition, the final decision on the team’s 2026 World Cup participation rests solely with the Iran Football Federation, not the country’s sports ministry.
Political statements raise tensions
Discussions intensified after Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali publicly questioned the possibility of attending the 2026 World Cup due to the recent political and military context.
In statements to state media, the official assured that, according to his vision, the current conditions would not be ideal for the team to participate in the World Cup.
On the other hand, U.S. President Donald Trump also commented on the issue through his social network Truth Social.
In his message he stated that the Iranian national team would be welcome at the 2026 World Cup.
But he noted that, from his perspective, their presence could pose security risks.
“I think the Iranian national soccer team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don’t think it’s appropriate for them to be there, for their own life and safety,” he wrote.
They are not considering withdrawing from the tournament
QuéOnnda.com
Debut scheduled in Los Angeles
According to the World Cup 2026 schedule, Iran was placed in Group G, along with New Zealand, Egypt and Belgium.
The Asian team is scheduled to make its debut on June 15 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, one of the main stadiums for the 2026 World Cup.
For soccer fans living in the United States, especially the Hispanic community, this type of situation reflects how the tournament will not only be a sporting event.
But also a scenario where geopolitical tensions and global sport intersect.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first with 48 participating teams and will feature venues in multiple cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada, making it the largest World Cup in history.
For now, the official position of the Iranian team is clear:
They will compete in the tournament as long as FIFA maintains their qualification, and consider that their place in the World Cup was earned on the field of play.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
