US President Donald Trump stated that Iran's men's football team is "welcome" at the 2026 World Cup, but it is not "appropriate" for them to participate "for their own life and safety".
Trump's comments come after Iran's Minister of Sports and Youth, Ahmad Donyamali, expressed concerns about participating in the tournament, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from 11 June.
Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June, respectively, and Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
Background
The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, killing supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting Iran to respond with missiles and drones towards Israel and four Gulf Arab countries hosting US military bases.
According to reports from the BBC, Fifa president Gianni Infantino said Trump had told him Iran is "welcome to compete" at the World Cup.
Iran's Participation in Doubt
Ahmad Donyamali stated in an interview with the IRIB Sports Network: "Given that this corrupt government has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances do we have the appropriate conditions to participate in the World Cup."
If Iran withdraws from the World Cup, Fifa's regulations give the governing body discretion to choose a replacement, but it is unclear who that would be.
