United States President Donald Trump has warned that Iran’s national football team could face risks to their safety if they participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup in North America.

Trump made the comments on Thursday, March 12, 2026, just two days after telling Gianni Infantino that the Iranian team would still be welcome at the tournament.

“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 wrote on his official account.

The remarks come amid an escalating conflict in the Middle East following US-Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026, which have raised uncertainty about whether Iran will take part in the tournament.

The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico.
Infantino, president of FIFA, confirmed earlier on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, that the situation in Iran was discussed during a meeting with Trump at the White House.

Ivorians furious as FA wishes Faé's wife happy birthday but ignores Drogba

“President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” Infantino said after the meeting.

Meanwhile, Trump also weighed in on a separate issue involving Iranian women footballers who had traveled to Australia for the Asian Cup.

The players reportedly feared retaliation at home after refusing to sing Iran’s national anthem before a match. Trump called for them to be granted asylum, and Australian authorities later agreed to allow five of the players who chose to stay in the country to remain.



FKA/MA

#Trending GH: Meanwhile here's what Ghanaians are saying about BBL surgery