Washington, D.C. – US President Donald Trump has expressed reservations about the participation of Iran’s national football team in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing potential safety risks amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
In a social media statement on Thursday, Trump said the Iranian team would technically be welcome but suggested that their presence “may not be appropriate for their own life and safety.”
“Iran’s national soccer team is welcome to the World Cup, but I don’t believe it would be appropriate for their own life and safety,” he wrote.
Signaling concern over the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran that erupted in late February.
The remarks appear to contrast with statements earlier this week from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who said Trump had assured him that Iranian players and staff would be allowed to participate. Iran is among the teams scheduled to compete in the expanded 48-team tournament, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Iran’s group stage matches are set to take place in Inglewood, Seattle, and other host cities. Although the US maintains travel restrictions affecting several countries, including Iran, athletes and team officials are exempt, making the Iranian squad eligible to enter the country for the tournament.
Trump’s comments highlight the intersection of global sports and international politics, as FIFA prepares to host the first World Cup under its expanded 48-team format amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East.
