U.S. President Trump advises Iran to withdraw from World Cup ‘for their safety’
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that the Iran national soccer team is “welcome” to take part in the FIFA World Cup in the United States, but cautioned them against participating for “their own safety.”
Trump expressed on the social media platform Truth Social: “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I truly do not think it is suitable for them to be there, for their own life and safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP”.
Iran was scheduled to play two matches in Los Angeles in June — against New Zealand and Belgium, respectively — before concluding their group stage matches against Egypt in Seattle.
On Wednesday, the Iranian sports minister announced that Iran cannot take part in the 2026 World Cup following airstrikes on the nation by the United States and Israel.
“Given that this corrupt government assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” Ahmad Donyamali reportedly stated to Iranian state television.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khameini, was killed on the first day of the attacks. He has since been succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei.
However, their participation was cast into uncertainty after the U.S. and Israel commenced airstrikes on February 28.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino had shared on social media on Wednesday that President Trump had assured him Iran would be “welcome” to compete.
