2026 World Cup: Asian Football Body Confirms Iran’s Participation Amid Trump Threats

Iran’s men’s national team remains on track to compete in the World Cup this summer, a top Asian football official confirmed Monday, pushing back against recent uncertainty sparked by stark warnings from former US President Donald Trump.

Despite Trump’s assertion last week that the team’s “life and safety” could be at risk if they travelled to the tournament, being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) stated it has received no official indication that Tehran will withdraw.

“As far as we know, Iran is playing,” said Windsor Paul John, the AFC’s General Secretary, during a press conference at the organization’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. “We are monitoring the situation, but at the moment, there is no official information that they are not playing.”

The remarks come amid heightened geopolitical tensions following US-Israeli strikes on February 28, which had cast a shadow over the team’s participation. John emphasized the AFC’s desire to see Iran, a team he described as a “top side,” feature in the global showcase. “We hope they will be able to solve their issues and participate,” he added.

Trump’s warning, posted on his Truth Social platform, had suggested that while the Iranian team was technically welcome, their attendance was “not appropriate… for their own life and safety.”

Meanwhile, the situation for a separate contingent of Iranian female footballers remains fluid. The captain of the women’s team, who was competing in the Asian Cup in Australia, has reportedly withdrawn her bid for asylum.

She was among seven members of the delegation who had sought sanctuary in Australia after facing intense backlash at home, including being labelled “traitors” for not singing the national anthem.

Following the captain’s reversal, only two of the seven individuals are now expected to remain in Australia. According to a former player and a Persian-language media outlet, the players who decided to return home faced significant pressure, including threats made against their families. Iranian authorities have countered these claims, accusing Australian officials of coercing the players to defect.

The players choosing to return to Iran are currently in a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, awaiting connecting flights. When asked about their status, the AFC’s Windsor John stated, “We are waiting for word from the team on when they want to leave. It is their decision, and we will support that.”