Trump's Mixed Welcome for Iran's Football Team Ahead of 2026 World Cup

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, President Trump has welcomed the Iranian national football team but expressed serious concerns regarding their safety. This comes in light of escalating tensions between the US and Iran, particularly following the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader. The Iranian Sports Minister has declared that participation is impossible under these circumstances, raising questions about the team's future in the tournament. With all of Iran's matches set to occur in US cities, the situation remains precarious. Read on to explore the implications of these developments for the World Cup.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 13, 2026, 02:07 IST

Trump's Cautionary Welcome to Iran's Football Team

New York [US], March 12: President Donald Trump has extended a welcome to the Iranian national football team for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, but he also expressed concerns for their safety during the event.

In a statement shared on Truth Social, Trump remarked, "While the Iranian National Soccer Team is invited to the World Cup, I genuinely doubt it is wise for them to attend, considering their safety and well-being."

These remarks followed a declaration from Iran's Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamali, who stated that the nation would not participate in the World Cup due to the assassination of their Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, by the United States, as reported by various news outlets.

Donyamali emphasized on state television, "Given that this corrupt regime [the US] has taken our leader's life, we cannot possibly take part in the World Cup."

The ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated since February 28, contributing to instability in global energy markets.

The United States is set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Canada and Mexico, featuring 104 matches, starting on June 11 at the Mexico City Stadium and concluding with the final on July 19 at the New York-New Jersey Stadium.

All of Iran's group-stage matches are scheduled to take place in American cities, including Los Angeles and Seattle.

Donyamali's comments came after FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated on Instagram that Trump had confirmed the Iranian team's welcome to compete in the tournament.

Infantino noted, "President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States."

Mehdi Taj, the president of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), previously expressed skepticism about Iran's participation in the World Cup, questioning why any nation would send its team to a potentially dangerous environment.

Taj stated on Iranian state television, "Following this attack [on Iran], it is unrealistic to expect us to look forward to the World Cup with hope. If the World Cup is like this, who in their right mind would send their national team to such a place?"