An Asian football authority has given an update on Iran’s World Cup status despite assertions made by Donald Trump and other individuals.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino disclosed last week that he met with US President Trump, who reaffirmed that Iran’s team would be “welcome to compete” in the competition, which is being held jointly in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
However, Iran’s sport minister Ahmad Donyamali stated that “under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup” and that “we certainly cannot have such a presence” due to the turmoil in Iran and the Middle East following the US and Israel’s military action.
Trump stated last Thursday that the players’ “life and safety” would be at jeopardy if they participate in the competition, where they have been placed in Group G with Egypt, Belgium, and New Zealand.
See Also: Neville Dismisses Chelsea Incident As Rosenior Lodges Complaint
However, it seems like Amir Ghalenoei’s team still intend to participate in a seventh World Cup, despite serious questions about Iran competing given the ongoing conflict.
Iran Still In Line To Play The 2026 World Cup
According to Sport Bible, the general secretary of the Asian Football Confederation, Windsor Paul John, claims that no boycott decision has been taken.
“We are monitoring whether they are playing or not, but at the moment they are,” he told a press conference at the AFC’s headquarters.
“There is no official information that they are not playing.”
The 65-year-old said that the AFC want Iran to represent them in the World Cup and called them a “top team”. He added that he hoped Iran “will solve their issues and be able to participate”.
COMMENTS