Iran’s men’s national football team still intends to take part in the upcoming World Cup in North America, Asian football officials said on Monday, despite security concerns raised in recent days.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Thursday that the team’s “life and safety” could be at risk if they attend the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.
The ongoing conflict, sparked by U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, has raised doubts about Iran’s participation.
However, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) says it has not received any official indication that Iran will withdraw.
“As far as we know, Iran is playing,” AFC General Secretary Windsor Paul John said at a press conference at the organisation’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
“We are monitoring the situation, but for now there is no official information suggesting they will not participate,” he added.
Windsor emphasised that the AFC hopes Iran, which he described as a “top team,” will compete in the tournament. “We hope they resolve their issues and can take part in the World Cup,” he said.
Meanwhile, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that although the Iranian team would be welcome, he believes it may not be appropriate for them to attend due to safety concerns.
In a separate development, the captain of Iran’s women’s national football team—who had earlier sought asylum in Australia during the Women’s Asian Cup—reportedly withdrew her request on Sunday.
Seven members of Iran’s delegation had applied for asylum after being labelled “traitors” at home for refusing to sing the national anthem. Following the captain’s decision, only two players are now expected to remain in Australia.
A former player and a Persian-language TV channel based outside Iran claimed the athletes faced pressure to withdraw their asylum bids through threats against their families. Iranian authorities, however, accused Australia of persuading the players to stay.
The players returning to Iran are currently staying at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur while awaiting onward travel.
Asked about the women’s team’s next steps, Windsor said the AFC was waiting to hear from them regarding their departure plans.
“It’s their decision, and we will support whatever they choose,” he said.