Trump Says Iran ‘Welcome’ at World Cup but Warns Team Over Safety

• U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran’s national football team is welcome to play at the 2026 World Cup.
• Trump advised the team not to participate, citing concerns for their safety.
• Iran’s sports minister has already suggested the country may withdraw following recent airstrikes.

Donald Trump said the Iran national football team would be welcome to compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, while also warning that participation may not be safe for the players.

Trump posted the message on his Truth Social platform on Thursday.

“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,” Trump wrote. “Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

Iran is one of the 48 teams scheduled to compete at the expanded tournament, which will be hosted by the United States alongside Canada and Mexico.

The Iranian team is scheduled to play group matches in Inglewood, California against New Zealand national football team on June 15 and Belgium national football team on June 21 before facing Egypt national football team in Seattle on June 26.

However, Iran’s participation has been questioned following airstrikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28.

Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said the country could withdraw from the tournament following the attacks.

“Given that this corrupt government assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” Donyamali said in comments reported by Iranian state television.

Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei was killed during the first day of the attacks and has since been succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei.

Trump’s message appeared to differ from remarks he had previously made during a meeting with Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, earlier in the week at the White House.

Infantino later said Trump had assured him that Iran would be welcome to take part in the tournament and posted a message on social media repeating that position.

A White House official also confirmed that Trump had conveyed that message to FIFA during their meeting.

Officials have not clarified what Trump meant by warning about the team’s safety if they travelled to the United States.

Although Iran has been subject to a travel ban under the Trump administration’s immigration policies since June, exemptions apply to athletes and coaches participating in international sporting events. That means the Iranian team would still be permitted to enter the United States for the tournament.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.

More articles by Hailey →