United States President, Donald Trump, said on Thursday that Iran’s national men’s soccer team would be welcome to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but suggested that their presence might not be appropriate due to safety concerns.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”
The comments come amid rising tensions after the United States reportedly launched airstrikes alongside Israel against Tehran, sparking a regional conflict that has shown no signs of easing.
Iran’s sports minister said on Wednesday that it would not be possible for the country’s athletes to participate in international competitions following the attacks.
The expanded 48-team tournament will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Iran is currently scheduled to play matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
If Iran formally withdraws from the tournament — which has not yet occurred — it would mark the first such withdrawal in the modern era of the competition and would require world football governing body FIFA to urgently find a replacement team.
Iran was also the only country absent from a recent FIFA planning summit for World Cup participants held last week in Atlanta. FIFA has not yet responded to requests for comment on the situation.
Meanwhile, Australia earlier this week granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution upon returning home after refusing to sing the national anthem during an AFC Women’s Asian Cup match.
Trump had reportedly urged Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to grant asylum to members of the Iranian women’s team, stating that the United States would offer them refuge if Australia declined.
