US President Donald Trump has stated that Iran's men's football team is "welcome" to the 2026 World Cup, but that it is not "appropriate" for them to attend "for their own life and safety."
Trump's remarks come after Iran's Minister of Sports and Youth, Ahmad Donyamali, stated that his country would be unable to participate in the tournament, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico beginning June 11.
Iran is scheduled to meet New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, respectively, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
However, their participation has been called into question after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, murdering Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Iran replied by sending missiles and drones towards Israel and four Gulf Arab countries hosting US military bases: Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.The Iran national soccer team is invited to participate in the World Cup, but I do not believe it is proper for their own safety and well-being," Trump said on Truth Social on Thursday.
Earlier this week, Fifa president Gianni Infantino said Trump informed him Iran was "welcome to compete" in this summer's finals.
However, in an interview with the IRIB Sports Network on Tuesday, Donyamali stated: "Given that this corrupt government has assassinated our leader, we do not have the necessary conditions to participate in the World Cup."