Trump says Iran welcome at 2026 World Cup but questions safety of participation

Donald Trump says Iran are welcome to compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but believes it may not be appropriate for the team to take part because of safety concerns.

The United States president made the comments after Iran’s Sports and Youth Minister, Ahmad Donyamali, indicated that the country might withdraw from the tournament.

United States, Canada and Mexico will host the expanded World Cup from June 11.

Iran are scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, respectively, before meeting Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

However, the team’s participation has come into doubt following escalating tensions in the Middle East after military strikes by the United States and Israel in Iran reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran later responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and several Gulf countries that host United States military bases.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump said the Iranian team would still be allowed to compete but raised concerns about their safety.

Donyamali had earlier said Iran could not participate under current conditions, stating that the country’s players would not be safe.

If Iran withdraw from the tournament, FIFA would decide on a possible replacement for the competition.