2026 World Cup: Trump warns of safety risks for Iran

United States President Donald Trump has said the Iranian national football team are welcome to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but warned that it may not be appropriate for them to attend due to concerns over their lives and safety.

Trump made the remarks after Iran’s Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamali, suggested earlier this week that the country could boycott the tournament amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Read Also: Iran signals 2026 World Cup boycott amid escalating Middle East conflict

Speaking on Thursday via his Truth Social platform, Trump said the Iranian team would not be barred from participating in the competition, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico starting June 11.

“The Iranian 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,” Trump said.

Iran signals possible withdrawal

The comments followed a statement by Donyamali indicating that Iran may not take part in the tournament following recent military escalation involving the United States and Israel.

In an interview with the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) Sports Network, Donyamali said Iran’s team could not safely attend the competition.

“Given that this corrupt government has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances do we have the appropriate conditions to participate in the World Cup,” he said.

“Our boys are not safe, and conditions for participation do not exist.”

FIFA has yet to issue an official statement on whether Iran will take part in the tournament.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino earlier revealed that Trump had assured him the Iranian team would be allowed to compete despite the political tensions.

“We also spoke about the current situation in Iran and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026,” Infantino wrote in a post on Instagram.

“During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.”