US President Donald Trump has said Iran national football team remain welcome at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but questioned whether it would be appropriate for them to attend because of safety concerns following escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump said the Iranian side would be allowed to compete but suggested participation could place players at risk. His comments came after Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said his country was not in a position to take part in the tournament, arguing conditions no longer existed for safe participation after recent strikes killed Iran’s supreme leader.
Iran are scheduled to face the All Whites, Belgium and Egypt in group matches across Los Angeles and Seattle, but their place is now uncertain. FIFA has indicated Iran are still eligible to compete, although if the team withdraws the governing body would decide on a replacement nation.
🚨📲 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Donald Trump on Truth Social, recommending that Iran should not attend the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/VEDwDz9U1Z
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) March 12, 2026
