Tehran: The Iranian Football Federation has called for the United States to be stripped of its right to host the 2026 World Cup. This demand follows remarks by US President Donald Trump, who questioned the suitability of Iran's participation in the tournament, citing concerns for the safety and well-being of Iranian players.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, President Trump expressed his views on Truth Social, stating that although the Iranian national team is welcome, he believes their safety could be at risk, which has ignited significant controversy both in sports and diplomatic circles. This situation has cast doubt over the ability of the United States to host the prestigious football event.

In response, the Iranian Football Federation issued an official statement via social media, asserting that the World Cup is an international event governed by FIFA, not any single host nation. The federation argued that excluding the Iranian team for political or security reasons would violate the principles of fair play and global sport.

The statement further highlighted that some public figures have suggested excluding the Iranian team. However, the federation insisted that the responsibility should fall on the host country if it cannot ensure the safety of all participating teams. The Iranian Football Federation stressed that football should remain detached from political tensions, warning that linking sports to political conflicts could undermine the tournament's credibility.

Iranian authorities have set forth a condition for their participation in the tournament, which is also set to be held in Canada and Mexico. The Iranian news agency Mehr reported that Iran demands official security guarantees from FIFA and the host nation before confirming their team's participation. The reports indicate that Iran's participation will be contingent upon receiving these guarantees, which would ensure that team members can train and compete under FIFA supervision without any threats or fears.