Iran remains scheduled to compete in the World Cup, according to the head of the Asian Football Confederation.
A prominent football official in Asia stated that Iran is still expected to participate in the FIFA World Cup, which is set to commence in June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In a social media update last week, responding to remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, Iran’s national football team asserted that “no one can exclude” them from competing in the international tournament.
On Monday, Windsor John, the general secretary of the Asian Football Confederation, indicated that the continental governing body has received no information suggesting that Iran will not take part in the World Cup.
“They are our member. We want them to play,” he remarked during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, the AFC’s headquarters. “As far as we know, Iran is participating.”
“It’s a very emotional time, and many are expressing various opinions. Ultimately, it’s the [Iran football] federation that must determine their participation, and as of today, the federation … has informed us that they will be attending the World Cup.”
Trump had stated on social media that the Iranian team was welcome at the World Cup despite the ongoing conflict with Iran, but added that “I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”
Iran is scheduled to play all three of their World Cup group matches in the U.S., which is co-hosting the tournament alongside Mexico and Canada.
The regional conflict has raised concerns regarding Iran’s capability to fulfill its World Cup participation, and sports minister Ahmad Donyamali mentioned on state television last week that the current situation made it impossible to play.
However, the Iranian team’s response on Instagram reaffirmed their desire to compete, emphasizing that the tournament is organized by FIFA, the global governing body of the sport, rather than Trump or the U.S.
Iran is set to face New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 16, Belgium on June 21, and will conclude group play in Seattle against Egypt on June 27.
Iran is a strong force in Asian football, currently ranked No. 20 in the world by FIFA, and has qualified for their fourth consecutive World Cup.
Prior to the World Cup, Iranian football officials are scheduled to attend FIFA’s annual congress on April 30 in Vancouver. The Iranian federation was unable to participate in meetings in Atlanta last week aimed at assisting teams in their preparations for the 48-nation tournament.
