The men’s national football team of Iran is still expected to participate in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, according to officials from the Asian Football Confederation.
The clarification came on Monday after concerns emerged over the country’s participation following warnings issued by Donald Trump.
Trump had cautioned that the Iranian team’s “life and safety” could be at risk if they travelled for the global tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation follows the outbreak of conflict triggered by US-Israeli strikes on February 28, which has raised wider geopolitical concerns across the region.
Speaking at a press conference at the AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, the confederation’s general secretary, Windsor Paul John, said there had been no official notification suggesting that Iran would withdraw from the tournament.
“As far as we know, Iran is playing,” Windsor said.
“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 emphasised that the AFC hopes Iran will remain part of the competition, describing the country as an important side in Asian football.
“So we hope that they will solve their issues… and be able to participate in the World Cup,” he added.
Trump had earlier posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, saying the Iranian team would be welcome at the tournament but questioning whether it would be appropriate for them to attend due to safety concerns.
Meanwhile, developments also emerged involving members of Iran’s women’s football delegation who had been competing in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.
Seven members of the delegation had reportedly sought asylum after they were labelled “traitors” in Iran for refusing to sing the national anthem during the competition.
However, the captain of the Iranian women’s national team later withdrew her asylum request on Sunday. Following that decision, only two members of the delegation are now expected to remain in Australia.
Reports from a former Iranian footballer and a Persian-language television channel operating outside Iran suggested that some players had faced pressure to reverse their asylum requests due to alleged threats against their families.
Iranian authorities, however, have accused Australia of attempting to pressure the players to stay.
The players returning to Iran were reported to be staying at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur while awaiting arrangements for their onward travel.
Asked about the immediate future of the women’s players, AFC official Windsor said the confederation was awaiting confirmation from the team about when they intended to depart.
“It’s their decision and we will support that,” he said.
What you should know
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, marking the first time three countries will co-host the tournament.
The event will also feature an expanded format with 48 teams competing.
Iran has traditionally been one of Asia’s strongest national teams and has qualified for multiple World Cups, making its potential participation a significant matter for regional football authorities.
