The Iranian men's national soccer team released a statement on Instagram Stories on Thursday asserting that no one can exclude them from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, amid speculation over their participation in the tournament primarily hosted in the United States.[1][2]

"The World Cup is a historic and international event, and its governing body is FIFA — not any individual country. Iran’s national team, with strength and a series of decisive victories achieved by the brave sons of Iran, was among the first teams to qualify for this major tournament," the statement said.[1]

It added: "Certainly, no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup; the only country that could be excluded is one that merely carries the title of ‘host’ yet lacks the ability to provide security for the teams participating in this global event."[1][2]

The statement follows remarks by Iran's Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who told state television that no squad could participate, citing the assassination of Iran's leader by a "corrupt regime."[3]

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social Thursday that Iran's team was welcome but participation may not be appropriate for their safety amid ongoing Middle East conflict. Trump had previously told Politico he did not care about the issue.[1][4]

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said this week that Trump reiterated in recent discussions that the Iranian team is welcome to compete. Infantino posted on Instagram: "We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever."[1][5]

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico, expanding to 48 teams.[6] Iran sits 20th in FIFA's men's world rankings and has qualified for the last three editions (2014, 2018, 2022).[6][7]

Iran leads AFC World Cup qualifying third-round Group A unbeaten after recent matches, including a reported 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan on March 25, 2025, at Azadi Stadium in Tehran that secured qualification.[1][8]

Sources

1. Fox News Digital, Sports Coverage, accessed November 2024, https://www.foxnews.com/sports
2. Team Melli Instagram, Official Account, accessed November 2024, https://www.instagram.com/team__melli/
3. Reuters, Soccer News, accessed November 2024, https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/
4. Truth Social, @realDonaldTrump Profile, accessed November 2024, https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump
5. FIFA, Gianni Infantino Instagram, accessed November 2024, https://www.instagram.com/gianni.infantino/