Officials from Asian football announced that Iran is still planning to participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, scheduled to start this June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In a recent social media response to comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump, Iran’s national football team affirmed that “no one can exclude” them from the tournament.
On Monday, Windsor John, the general secretary of the Asian Football Confederation, stated that there has been no communication indicating that Iran will not participate in the World Cup.
“They are our member, and we want them to play,” he declared at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, home of the AFC. “As far as we know, Iran will compete.”
“It’s a very emotional time, and many opinions are being expressed. Ultimately, it’s up to the [Iran football] federation to decide their participation, and as of today, they have confirmed their intention to compete in the World Cup.”
Trump had previously stated on social media that while he welcomes the Iranian team at the World Cup, he questioned the appropriateness of their presence due to ongoing conflicts involving Iran and remarked on their safety.
Iran’s matches in the World Cup will be held entirely in the U.S., which is co-hosting the event alongside Mexico and Canada.
The ongoing regional conflict has raised concerns regarding Iran’s ability to play in the tournament, and Iranian sports minister Ahmad Donyamali recently told state TV that the prevailing conditions make participation challenging.
However, the Iranian team responded via Instagram, emphasizing their desire to compete and reminding followers that FIFA, not Trump or the U.S., governs the tournament.
Iran is scheduled to play against New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 16, and will face Belgium on June 21, before concluding their group stage in Seattle against Egypt on June 27.
Ranked No. 20 in the world by FIFA, Iran is a dominant force in Asian football and is set to make its fourth consecutive appearance at the World Cup.
Prior to the World Cup, Iranian football officials plan to attend FIFA’s annual congress on April 30 in Vancouver as the Iranian federation could not participate in meetings in Atlanta last week aimed at preparing teams for the expanded 48-nation tournament.