Sports News of Friday, 13 March 2026

FIFA President Infantino, Donald Trump slammed over Iran World Cup controversy

United States President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino have faced backlash over the confusion surrounding Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup.

Following the US and Israel’s war with Iran, Infantino said that he met with Trump to discuss preparations for the tournament, which begins on June 11, 2026.

Infantino stated that the US President assured him the Iranian team would be welcomed, emphasising that the World Cup seeks to bring peace and unity across the globe.

Iranian national team fires back at Donald Trump over World Cup comment

However, in a surprising turn of events, Trump later posted on social media urging Iran not to partake in the tournament due to insecurity.

The US President noted that, given the current war situation, their safety could not be guaranteed, hence “it would not be appropriate for them to be there [at the World Cup].”

The contrasting comments sparked fury among football fans, who questioned Trump’s authority to warn a country against participating in the World Cup, as he has no power over such decisions.

They argued that the US President’s decision to mix politics with football is unacceptable and that under no circumstance should he be allowed to make such determinations.

On the other hand, FIFA boss Infantino was also criticised for kowtowing to Trump’s stance on several issues, which many believe has emboldened the US President to make utterances that undermine the integrity of the game.

Some social media users called on Infantino to assert his authority and resolve the impasse between Iran and the US, warning that failure to do so could ruin the tournament before it even begins.

Read the comments below:

This is the first time in the history that the host country warns a qualified team to particapate due to risks!
— سكوريزو أرشيف كرة القدم (@Scoreezo) March 12, 2026

Football is earned on the pitch, not decided by politics.

Iran qualified for the World Cup like every other team — through hard work, talent, and results. No politician gets to erase that.

The World Cup is supposed to unite the world, not gatekeep it. If you can’t guarantee…
— @abunyousra | $zBTC MAXI🌶️ $XAGE (@auwalsalehbaba) March 12, 2026

This is a reminder that sport is governed by its own rules, even amid politics and conflict.
— JB_X (@JB_Xponential) March 13, 2026

And FIFA hypocrisy will not sanction America and move the world cup to somewhere safe we know and will never forget what they did to Russia and how they help the UK to destabilize my belove Chelsea
— McAnakhy (@McAnakhy889) March 12, 2026

Politics and sports crossing paths again. Ideally the World Cup should stay about football, not geopolitics.
— Val Onyi (@Valony_Fi) March 12, 2026

And FIFA will keep silent about this
— Azamuke Ramadhan (@AzamukeRamadhan) March 12, 2026

This World Cup will be Gianni’s Downfall. He is likely to be remembered for having double standards
— Money 💰 Magnet🧲 (@MaupaCanny) March 12, 2026

Its so disgracing how the leaders of the world bows and bend at Trumps abuse of other countries pic.twitter.com/s7TD1q2342
— Dingswayo (@Jabstar_86) March 12, 2026

Gianni Infantino must resign, he has brought the world cup and football into disrepute and introduced politics to a beautiful game!

HE MUST GO! @FIFA
— Gabhadiya 2.0 (@King1FoReal) March 12, 2026

Infantino has sold FIFA to Trump. Are people really excited?
— Nico Masango (@NicoMasango) March 12, 2026

So this means this upcoming tournament is a Trump World Cup, not a FIFA World Cup. I mean he has authority on who is welcomed to participate or not
— Daytona (@NkosazanaFather) March 13, 2026

Gianni mixed football with geopolitics. He won't win the next elections. Fifa banned Russia just after inversion. USA is still going to participate. 😏Double standards
— ʀᴜᴅᴏʟᴘʜᴏ (@Honorabledawgs) March 12, 2026