Donald Trump (foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Donald Trump warned Iran against attending the 2026 World Cup due to safety concerns as political tensions rise, while Iranian officials also suggested the team might withdraw.
Donald Trump issued a controversial warning regarding the participation of Iran’s national football team in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, urging them to stay away from the tournament for safety reasons.
Iran secured qualification for the competition after finishing top of their group in Asian qualifying. The tournament will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the opening match scheduled for June 11.
Political tensions between the United States and Iran intensified following military strikes carried out by the US and Israel. The escalation has raised doubts about whether the Iranian team will participate in the tournament.
Trump addressed the issue in a message posted on Truth Social.
"The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to the World Cup, but I don't believe it is appropriate for them to be there, for their own life and safety," Trump wrote.
The statement marked a change in tone compared with comments he made days earlier, when he told Politico that he did not care whether Iran took part in the tournament.
Concerns about participation have also appeared inside Iran. Ahmad Donyamali, the country’s Minister of Sports and Youth, suggested the national team might withdraw.
"Given that this corrupt government assassinated our leader, we do not have the conditions to participate in the World Cup," Donyamali said.
"Our players are not safe, and the conditions for participation do not exist. In recent months, wars have been imposed on us, and thousands of our people have died."
The uncertainty places FIFA in a difficult position. Iran had been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. Their opening match was scheduled for June 16.
If Iran withdraws, organizers must find a replacement team. One possibility involves allowing Iraq to qualify directly due to travel difficulties surrounding their playoff match against the winner of Suriname and Bolivia.
The situation remains unresolved as the start of the 2026 World Cup approaches, leaving uncertainty around one of the tournament’s qualified teams.