The Iranian national football team responded to the statements made by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding its participation in the World Cup, which is scheduled to take place next summer.

In an official statement, the Iranian team affirmed that the World Cup is a historical and global event, organized by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), not by any specific country. They emphasized that Iran qualified for the tournament deservedly after a series of victories, being one of the first teams to secure their spot in this global event.

The statement added that the participation of the Iranian team is a rightful sporting achievement, asserting that no party can exclude Iran from the tournament, referring to the controversy stirred by Trump's remarks.

The statement also indirectly criticized, suggesting that the country that should be questioned is the one with the title of 'host' but is unable to ensure the security and safety of the teams participating in the event.

Trump had written on his official account that the Iranian team is welcome at the World Cup, but he noted that he does not think the team's presence there is appropriate 'for their lives and safety,' as he put it, which sparked widespread reactions.