They said that the U.S. should be excluded for ‘failing to guarantee adequate security.’

On Friday, Iran’s football team rejected statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed it was inappropriate for them to participate in the 2026 World Cup, which the United States is co-hosting with Mexico and Canada.

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Iran had secured its spot through the qualifying rounds and officially announced its withdrawal on Wednesday, while Trump posted on social media that they would be welcome, although he did not consider it “safe for them.”

The Iranian team defended its right to compete, stating that if any team should be excluded, it should be the United States, for “failing to guarantee adequate security.”

The team also noted that the World Cup is governed by FIFA, “not by individuals or countries,” highlighting their decisive victories in the qualifying rounds.

The Iranian team secured its fourth consecutive qualification for the World Cup finals and was placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, with its debut scheduled for June 16.

Meanwhile, Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali declared on state television that they could not participate in the World Cup “under no circumstances,” citing insecurity and accusing the host regime of assassinating their leader.

Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj also rejected Trump’s offer of political asylum for players on the women’s team. Iran was scheduled to play matches in Los Angeles against New Zealand and Belgium, and conclude against Egypt in Seattle, in addition to a training camp planned in Arizona.

The friendly match scheduled against Angola was canceled on March 11 due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East and regional instability, according to an official statement from the African team.

FIFA’s regulations for the 2026 World Cup, the first to be held in three countries, do not clearly establish how to replace a qualified team that withdraws its place, creating organizational uncertainty.

It is estimated that FIFA could consider the United Arab Emirates, eliminated by Iraq in the playoffs, to maintain the proportion of 8.5 places allocated to Asia in the tournament.

Historically, team withdrawals from World Cups are rare: the Soviet Union refused to play against Chile in 1973; Colombia withdrew from hosting in 1986, but this would be the first time a qualified team has withdrawn from the competition.

teleSUR: JP

Source: EFE – France 24

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