US President Donald Trump warned Iran’s soccer team on Thursday that its «life and safety» would be at risk if it participated in the upcoming World Cup in North America.
Trump’s comments came just two days after he told FIFA chief Gianni Infantino that Iranian players would be welcome despite the war in the Middle East.
“The Iranian national soccer team is welcome at the World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate for them to be there for their own lives and safety,” Trump said at his speech. Truth Social platform.
The war, sparked by US-Israeli attacks on February 28, has thrown into doubt Iran’s participation in this summer’s men’s World Cup, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Infantino, the head of world football’s governing body, said earlier this week that they had discussed the «current situation in Iran» during a meeting with Trump at the White House.
“President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is of course welcome to participate in the tournament in the United States,” he wrote after the meeting on Tuesday.
Infantino created a FIFA peace prize in December and awarded it to Trump.
His comments marked the first time the football chief acknowledged the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Trump this week spoke out on the case of Iranian visiting female footballers in Australia, calling for them to be granted asylum.
The players feared they would face retaliation at home for not singing the national anthem before an Asia Cup match.
Australia later agreed to grant asylum to the five players who decided to stay.
Published on March 12, 2026
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