• Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup is uncertain due to safety concerns raised by President Donald Trump.
• Trump stated it may not be "appropriate" for the Iranian team to attend, citing "life and safety" risks.
• The Iranian team insists it cannot be excluded and emphasizes that FIFA governs the tournament.
• Political tensions have escalated after U.S.-Israeli airstrikes in the region.
• Iran has qualified and is scheduled to play against teams including Belgium and New Zealand.

Following President Donald Trump's comments questioning the appropriateness of Iran's participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, the Iranian national team firmly stated that no country can exclude them from the tournament. Trump expressed concerns for the players' safety, suggesting it may not be suitable for them to attend due to escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, worsened by recent military conflicts, according to Channel News Asia, India Times, and Africa News.

In his post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety," reflecting a shift from earlier assurances made to FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding the team’s welcomed participation, as noted by India Times and Al Jazeera.

Iran's sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, previously stated that the nation might not partake due to the current conflict, saying there are "no conditions under which we can participate.” However, the Iranian team responded by emphasizing their right to compete, citing their qualification as a major accomplishment through skill and performance, according to India Times and India Times.

In response to Trump's remarks on safety, the Iranian team outlined that the World Cup is governed by FIFA, not individual nations, and expressed confidence in their safety and success in the tournament, highlighting their historic qualification. They also questioned the role of the U.S. as co-host if safety cannot be guaranteed for competing teams, as noted by India Times and Africa News.