President Donald Trump Warns Iran Soccer Team Not to Attend World Cup Over Safety Concerns

President Donald Trump publicly warned that Iran’s national soccer team might not be safe attending the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the United States, saying on his social platform that "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 discourages Iranian soccer team from attending the World Cup, citing safety concerns Trump discourages Iranian soccer team from attending the World Cup, citing safety concerns WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said he did not think it would be “appropriate” for the Iranian soccer team to attend this year’s World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, and cited safety concerns as a reason on Thursday while the countries remained embroiled in a war”

Associated Press News

Several outlets noted he posted the message on his social media account (Truth Social), framing the warning as a safety concern rather than an outright ban on participation.

Associated Press News

The post represented a shift in tone from a White House meeting earlier in the week with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who publicly said Trump had assured him the Iranian players and coaches would be welcome to compete.

Multiple outlets reported that Trump’s later public warning appeared to depart from what he relayed in that private meeting, with Infantino saying the president had "reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States."

BBC

Iranian officials, however, signalled they would not participate amid the widening conflict.

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KTVB

Iranian leaders said it was "not possible" for the country to take part, and Iran's sports minister conveyed a firm refusal, with one account quoting him: "Considering that this corrupt regime [the U.S.] has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup."

Iranian federation figures also suggested the final decision would rest with sports authorities and raised the possibility of a boycott.

News coverage tied the safety warnings and Iran’s withdrawal to the broader regional conflict: several pieces linked the decision and the president’s caution to U.S. and Israeli strikes that set off a wider war on Feb. 28,

and noted the White House did not immediately clarify what Trump meant by threats to "their own life and safety."

Outlookindia

Journalists emphasised that the war context — referenced by both Western and regional outlets — is the central factor casting doubt on travel and participation.

Practically, the uncertainty affects tournament planning and the Iranian teams already abroad: coverage noted the World Cup will feature 48 teams across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19 and that Iran had been drawn in Group G with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand;

“Summary of this article US President Donald Trump says Iran could face safety issues if they travel for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Iran recently opted out of the 48-team tournament Trump wrote on social media about Iran's lack of safety in the Americas President Donald Trump said he did not think it would be “appropriate” for the Iranian team to attend this year’s World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, and cited safety concerns as a reason on Thursday while the countries remained embroiled in a war”

Outlookindia

Reporters also highlighted separate concerns about Iranian women's players who were abroad, with calls for asylum for some visiting players.

Tribal Football