Iran Soccer Monitors World Cup Dynamic

The 2026 World Cup was awarded to the United States, Canada and Mexico in the summer of 2018, but the global sporting and political landscape has changed significantly since that decision was made.

The United States’ tension with Iran has escalated in 2026, which has put the Iranian soccer team in a difficult position. They qualified for the World Cup by winning their group in the Asian Football Confederation, but are now wondering whether they will travel to North America to hit the pitch later this year.

U.S. president Donald Trump has given mixed signals about whether he wants the club to participate in the tournament.

“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,” Trump posted on social media.

Trump:

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. pic.twitter.com/AyqG2hH6Mu

— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 12, 2026

There is some sentiment coming out of Iran that the soccer team should not make the trip given what has happened this spring.

Iran Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said, “Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup.”

Donyamali continued, “Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people. Therefore, we certainly cannot have such a presence.”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said that Trump told him Iran is “welcome to complete” at the 2026 World Cup.

While Trump and Donyamali cite safety reasons for Iran’s possible withdrawal from the World Cup, others believe that merit and qualification for the world’s premier soccer tournament should rise above the geopolitical complexities.

The Iran men’s soccer team says “no one can exclude” them from the 2026 World Cup after United States President Donald Trump warned their participation may be a risk for “their own life and safety.”

A statement posted by the Iran soccer team’s official Instagram account on… https://t.co/cMrMLgEWD0 pic.twitter.com/pQADEyntCg

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) March 12, 2026

The Iranian soccer team’s social media account posted a statement noting that they cannot be excluded from the World Cup since they legitimately qualified.

The Asian Football Confederation also wants to see Iran move forward and play in the World Cup.

“They are our member,” said Confederation general secretary Windsor John. “We want them to play. As far as we know, Iran is playing.”

“It’s a very emotional moment, everybody is saying a lot of things. At the end of the day, it’s the (Iranian football) federation who should decide if they’re playing and, as for today, the federation…has told us that they’re going to the World Cup.”

Iran is in World Cup Group G, along with Egypt, Belgium and New Zealand. Iran is scheduled to play all three of its group stage games in the United States.

There has been some discussion about what would happen if Iran decided not to participate. The end of April is a key time on the calendar to watch, as that is when the FIFA Congress will meet next.

If that reality comes to pass, it will be up to FIFA to determine which team replaces them. There’s a lot of speculation about which countries may be best positioned, but there is at least a chance that FIFA will look to the end of March playoffs to determine which runner ups might be suited for selection.