Iran team hit back at Trump over FIFA World Cup exclusion threat

"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. Certainly no one can exclude Iran's national team from the World Cup."

"The Iranian team also said in the social media post on Thursday that the US should not be allowed to co-host the tournament if it could not guarantee the safety of the teams taking part."

"I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety, Trump said on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, regarding Iran's participation in the World Cup."

Iran's national football team responded to President Trump's warning that Iranian players face safety risks at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iran stated that FIFA, not individual countries, determines World Cup participation, and that no one can exclude Iran's team, which qualified through decisive victories. Iran countered that only a host country lacking security capabilities should face exclusion. Trump had initially welcomed Iran's team but expressed concerns about their safety, later emphasizing the tournament would be secure for all participants. The dispute reflects tensions following Middle Eastern conflicts and raises questions about Iran's participation in the summer tournament.

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