oi-Shreya Sanjeev

Former US President Donald Trump has suggested that Iran’s national football team should reconsider playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing concerns over the players’ “life and safety” as tensions between the two countries continue.

The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

Donald Trump comments on Iran FIFA participation

In a post on his social media platform, Trump stated that while the Iranian national team would technically be allowed to participate in the tournament, he believes it may not be appropriate under current circumstances.

“The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to the World Cup,” Trump wrote. “But I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”

His comments come as geopolitical tensions escalate following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran that began on February 28.

Mixed signals after meeting with FIFA president

Trump’s latest remarks appear to differ from what he conveyed earlier this week during a meeting at the White House with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

After that meeting, Infantino publicly stated that Trump had assured him that Iranian players and coaching staff would be welcome in the United States during the tournament.

A White House official had also confirmed that message privately, according to reports from the Associated Press.

However, Trump’s later statement suggesting that Iran should not participate “for their own safety” has added uncertainty around the issue.

Iran’s sports minister says team cannot participate

The controversy deepened after Iran’s Minister of Sport Ahmad Donyamali said that under current circumstances Iran would not be able to participate in the World Cup.

According to reports, Donyamali stated that it would be impossible for the team to take part following the escalation of conflict after US and Israeli airstrikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The statement raises the possibility of Iran withdrawing from the tournament entirely.

Iran’s scheduled matches in the 2026 World Cup

Iran had been scheduled to play three group-stage matches in the United States:

• June 15: vs New Zealand in Inglewood, California
• June 21: vs Belgium in Los Angeles
• June 26: vs Egypt in Seattle

Despite the ongoing travel ban imposed by the Trump administration on several countries, athletes and coaches are typically exempt from such restrictions. That exemption would allow the Iranian team to enter the United States for the tournament if they choose to participate.

Potential headache for FIFA

If Iran ultimately withdraws from the tournament, it would create a complex situation for FIFA.

Under Article 6 of the World Cup regulations, the governing body has the authority to decide how to handle a team withdrawal. FIFA could choose to replace the team with another nation or proceed with the tournament structure unchanged.

James Kitching, FIFA’s former director of football regulatory affairs, said the rules give FIFA broad discretion in such cases.

“There’s no modern precedent for this, and FIFA has full discretion to decide what happens if a team withdraws,” he said.

While financial penalties exist for withdrawals under tournament rules, experts believe sanctions may be unlikely if the decision is related to an ongoing conflict.

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the situation could pose a major political and logistical challenge for FIFA if Iran decides not to take part.

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