Trump Says Iran Should Skip World Cup for Their Safety | US News
Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump has advised the Iranian national soccer team against participating in the upcoming FIFA World Cup in North America, citing safety concerns amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The statement, delivered on Thursday via Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, came just two days after he assured FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Iranian players would be welcomed to compete despite the escalating tensions. Trump wrote, “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe This proves appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”
This apparent shift in position follows a meeting between Trump and Infantino at the White House on Tuesday, where the situation in Iran was discussed. Infantino subsequently stated that Trump had reaffirmed Iran’s welcome to participate in the tournament. “The President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” Infantino said following the meeting.
However, the Iranian sports minister has already indicated the nation’s likely absence from the competition. Following airstrikes conducted by the United States and Israel, Ahmad Donyamali stated that Iran cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup. “Given that this corrupt government assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” Donyamali reportedly told Iranian state television.
The assassination referred to is that of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, who was killed in the initial attacks. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has since succeeded him.
The conflicting messages from Washington and Tehran cast a shadow over the tournament preparations. While Trump initially offered a welcoming gesture, his subsequent warning raises questions about the logistical and security challenges Iran might face should they choose to compete. The U.S. President’s concerns appear to stem from the volatile geopolitical climate and the potential for unrest or targeted attacks.
Iran was the first country to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but was notably absent from a planning session held earlier this month in Atlanta. When questioned about Iran’s participation at that time, Trump reportedly stated, “I really don’t care.”
The Iranian team is currently scheduled to play three group stage matches: against New Zealand on in Inglewood, California; against Belgium on also in Inglewood; and against Egypt on in Seattle.
This situation echoes previous instances where political tensions have impacted international sporting events. The potential for boycotts or security concerns often looms large when nations with strained relationships compete on the world stage.
Trump’s initial offer of welcome followed a December event where he received the FIFA Peace Prize from Infantino, highlighting a close relationship between the two. He also recently urged the Australian government to grant asylum to Iranian players who had refused to sing the national anthem before a match in the Asian Cup, fearing retribution upon their return to Iran. Australia subsequently granted asylum to the five players who requested it.
The evolving situation leaves FIFA in a difficult position. The organization aims to promote unity and inclusivity through the World Cup, but must also navigate the complex political realities that often intersect with sports. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Iran will ultimately participate in the tournament and what measures will be taken to ensure the safety and security of all teams and participants.
The Iranian sports minister’s firm stance, coupled with Trump’s latest warning, suggests that Iran’s participation is increasingly unlikely. However, the final decision rests with the Iranian government and FIFA, and the situation remains fluid as the tournament draws closer.