US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino
United States (U.S) President, Donald Trump, has expressed concerns about the safety of Iran national football team if they take part in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled to be hosted in North America.
Trump made the remarks on Thursday, warning that the players’ “life and safety” could be at risk if they participate in the tournament.
His comments came only two days after he told Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, that the Iranian team would still be welcome to compete in the global football showpiece.
Posting on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote:
.“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.”
The uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation follows the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East triggered by US-Israeli strikes on February 28. The situation has raised questions over whether Iran will take part in this year’s tournament.
The 2026 edition of the global football competition will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Earlier this week, Infantino revealed that the issue was discussed during a meeting with Trump at the White House.
According to the FIFA president, the conversation touched on the security implications of the ongoing conflict.
“President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” Infantino said after their meeting on Tuesday.
The FIFA chief’s statement marked the first time he publicly acknowledged the impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict on international football competitions.
In December, Infantino also introduced a FIFA peace prize, which he presented to Trump.
Meanwhile, Trump has also commented on the situation involving Iran’s visiting women footballers in Australia, urging authorities to consider granting them asylum.
