President Donald Trump stands on stage next to the FIFA World Cup after receiving the FIFA Peace Prize during the draw for the 2026 football World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, December 5, 2025. JACQUELYN MARTIN / AP
US President Donald Trump warned Iran's football team Thursday, March 12, their "life and safety" would be at risk if they took part in the upcoming World Cup in North America. Trump's comments came just two days after he told FIFA chief Gianni Infantino the Iranian players would be welcome despite the Middle East war.
"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," Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
Subscribers only
Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup threatened by Middle East war, less than 100 days before kick-off
