‎The president of the United States, Donald Trump, has said Iran’s national men’s football team would be “welcome” at the 2026 World Cup but suggested it might not be “appropriate” for them to take part because of safety concerns.
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‎His remarks follow growing uncertainty over whether Iran will participate in the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June.
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‎Posting on Truth Social on Thursday, Mr Trump said: “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.”
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‎The comments come after Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth, Ahmad Donyamali, indicated that the country may not be in a position to take part in the competition following escalating tensions in the region.
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‎In an interview with the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) Sports Network, Mr Donyamali said the current situation made participation impossible.
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‎“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, referring to the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
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‎The crisis escalated after the United States and Israel launched military strikes on Iranian targets, triggering retaliation from Tehran. Iran subsequently launched missiles and drones towards Israel and several Gulf states hosting American military bases, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
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‎Despite the tensions, the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, said earlier this week that Mr Trump had assured him Iran would be allowed to compete at the tournament.
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‎Iran are scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June respectively, before facing Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
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‎However, if Iran ultimately withdraws from what would have been their fourth consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup, FIFA regulations allow the governing body to select a replacement team. It remains unclear which nation would take their place.