Iran envoy sends message to Trump as he says his World Cup team 'stands on the side of peace'
WASHINGTON, DC: Iran's ambassador to Mexico has said his country's decision to send its national football team to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup should be viewed as a gesture of peace, even as Tehran and Washington continue negotiations aimed at ending months of conflict.
Speaking to POLITICO at the FIFA Fan Festival in Mexico City, Ambassador Abolfazl Pasandideh said Iran's participation in the tournament demonstrates that it has "no problem with the American nation."
Iran says World Cup participation reflects desire for peace
During the interview, Pasandideh said Iran's presence at the tournament sends a broader diplomatic message despite the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
Pasandideh remarked on Iran’s relations with the United States at a delicate moment. The visa denials impacting some of the Iranian team’s coaching staff may have a negative impact on the team’s performance, he said.
Pasandideh pointed to Iran’s decision to send its national team to compete on US soil as evidence of Tehran’s posture.
“The fact of our presence in the US in a time of war sends a signal: We are in favor of peace,” he said.
Iran was among the first nations to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is scheduled to open its campaign against New Zealand on Monday. The national team is currently training in Tijuana, Mexico, after relocating its pre-tournament camp from Tucson, Arizona.
And he had a direct message for Trump.
“If the US closes its eyes to Israel’s interests,” Pasandideh said, “Iran and the US can be very good friends.”
Pasandideh acknowledged that visa denials affecting members of Iran's coaching staff could impact the team's preparations. He said the absence of some officials would "surely have an impact on the team's performance" as players prepare for matches in the United States.
The ambassador also said Iran's participation should not be interpreted as support for the conflict, adding that the country views football as an opportunity to promote peace and human connection.
Envoy urges Trump to 'respect our nation'
He said, “I believe we can take advantage of the opportunity of football. The US, if it is opportunistic, can seize the opportunity of the World Cup to promote peace.”
The ambassador said Iran believes sporting events such as the World Cup can help reduce tensions between countries. He suggested the tournament presents an opportunity for both governments to demonstrate goodwill while diplomatic discussions continue.
“The presence of our national team means that our team stands on the side of peace. Sentimentally, some think that Iran should not participate because the US has attacked our country.”
“But the idea we hold is a humanist one, and we believe that all human beings deserve the best in order to spread peace. Our national team will participate even on US soil, and we have the following message: We have no problem with the American nation.”
According to Pasandideh, Iran responds positively to gestures of cooperation but remains prepared to defend itself if faced with further military action.
“I ask President Trump to respect our nation. To act based on respect for our nation. And I also believe that if he puts the interests of the US first, it will yield good results.”
