The Iranian men’s football team has reiterated that “no one” can stop them from playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite a debate being opened on whether the team will be able to participate in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
This was announced on the team’s official Instagram page following the remarks of Donald Trump, who mused how “appropriate” it might not be for Iran to be a part of the tournament, as the security factor keeps on posing a question. The issue of Iran’s World Cup participation has also become a source of tension with the U.S. and Israel, having recently carried out military attacks in the region.
The national team of Iran, however, made it clear that the World Cup is a FIFA event and not a matter of various countries or their leaders, going so far as pointing out that Iran was one of the first teams to qualify for the World Cup following an excellent performance in the qualifying phase.
In spite of the message of defiance, there is still doubt as to whether Iran will be part of the World Cup. In fact, the sports minister of Iran, Ahmad Donyamali, had hinted earlier that the country could decide to quit the World Cup due to the recent military events.
On the other hand, Donald Trump has asserted that the hosts are adequately prepared and that the event will be the greatest and safest sporting event in American history.”
Should Iran make it, their group-stage games will be held in the United States, as the team is scheduled for Los Angeles and Seattle.
