Donald Trump warns Iran team may not be safe at 2026 World Cup in United States
Donald Trump has questioned whether Iran’s national football team should attend the World Cup in the United States, citing concerns for the players’ safety.
United States President Donald Trump says it would not be appropriate for Iran’s squad to be at this year’s men’s World Cup “for their own life and safety”.
The US military and Israel initiated air strikes on Iran on February 28, sparking retaliatory action from Iran on Israel and Middle East nations housing US bases, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali appeared to rule out the possibility of the country playing at the finals on Wednesday.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Iran is due to play all three group games in the US and could even meet the Americans in the last-32 if both finished second in their group.
Mr Trump posted on Truth Social on Thursday: “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. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Prior to the Iranian sports minister saying on Wednesday that “the conditions for participation do not exist”, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said he had received assurances from Mr Trump that Iran would be welcome at the tournament.
FIFA is yet to respond to requests for comment.
Iran are due to kick off their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
