The Iran men’s national football team is still expected to participate in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite security concerns raised by Donald Trump.
Asian football officials said Monday that there has been no official confirmation that Iran will withdraw from the global tournament, which will be jointly hosted by United States, Canada, and Mexico.
AFC Monitoring Situation
According to Windsor Paul John, the Asian Football Confederation is closely monitoring the situation but currently expects Iran to take part in the tournament.
“As far as we know, Iran is playing,” Windsor told reporters during a press conference at the AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
“We are monitoring whether they are playing or not, but at the moment they are. There is no official information that they are not playing.”
He added that the AFC hopes the issue will be resolved so the Iranian team can participate in the prestigious competition.
“We want them to play. Iran is a top team, so we hope that they will solve their issues and be able to participate in the World Cup,” Windsor said.
Trump Raises Security Concerns
The comments follow a warning issued by Trump, who suggested the Iranian team could face security risks if they travel for the tournament.
In a message posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the team would be welcome but expressed concern for their safety.
“The Iranian team is welcome, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety,” he said.
The concerns come amid escalating tensions following a war triggered by US-Israeli strikes on February 28, which has heightened uncertainty around Iran’s international engagements.
Developments Involving Women’s Team
Meanwhile, controversy has also emerged around members of the Iran women’s national football team.
Seven members of Iran’s football delegation that competed in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia had sought asylum after reportedly being labeled “traitors” at home for refusing to sing the national anthem.
However, the team’s captain later withdrew her asylum request on Sunday, leaving only two members expected to remain in Australia.
Reports from a former player and a Persian-language television channel based outside Iran suggested that some players may have reversed their asylum requests following threats directed at their families.
Iranian authorities, however, accused Australia of pressuring the players to remain in the country.
Awaiting Decision on Players’ Travel
According to AFC officials, the players returning to Iran were staying at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur while awaiting travel arrangements.
Windsor said the confederation is waiting for the players to decide their next move.
“It’s their decision and we will support that,” he said.
Uncertainty Ahead of Global Tournament
Despite the tensions and ongoing geopolitical developments, football authorities say preparations for the 2026 World Cup continue as planned.
Iran remains one of Asia’s strongest football nations, and officials hope the team will be able to resolve the political and security concerns in time to compete in the tournament.
