Iranian soccer team says 'no one can exclude' squad from 2026 World Cup amid participation doubts

The Iranian men’s national soccer team has pushed back on speculation over the team’s status for the 2026 World Cup, which is largely taking place in the U.S., releasing a statement Thursday saying that "no one can exclude" the squad from competing. 

The statement posted on social media follows remarks from Iran’s sports minister casting doubt on the team’s participation and President Donald Trump's earlier remarks that the team would be welcome to compete but that it might not be "appropriate"...