Donald Trump recently addressed questions surrounding Iran’s potential participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The US president commented on whether the Iranian national football team should take part in the tournament scheduled to be held in North America. His remarks came as uncertainty continues over Iran’s involvement in the competition.
Donald Trump comments on Iranian Team’s participation in World Cup
US President Donald Trump said Iran’s men’s national football team is “welcome” to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, he added that he does not believe it is “appropriate” for the team to attend due to security concerns (via BBC). The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico and will begin on 11 June 2026.
Trump made the remarks in a Truth Social post on Thursday while discussing Iran’s possible participation in the North American tournament. He 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.”
Iranian Minister of Sports and Youth Ahmad Donyamali also questioned the country’s participation. He said Iran is not in a position to attend the competition. In an interview with IRIB Sports Network, he said: “Given that this corrupt government has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances do we have the appropriate conditions to participate in the World Cup.”
Security concerns increased after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran. The strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran later launched missiles and drones toward Israel and several Gulf Arab countries hosting United States military bases. These countries include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Trump had previously told him Iran would be welcomed at the tournament. Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June. The team is also scheduled to face Egypt in Seattle on 26 June. FIFA regulations allow the governing body to replace a withdrawing team if necessary before the tournament begins.
