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WASHINGTON DC – The prospect of Iran competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, partially hosted in the United States, has been thrown into doubt following comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump has publicly questioned the appropriateness of Iran’s participation, citing ongoing geopolitical tensions and raising concerns about the safety of the Iranian team.
The remarks reach as conflict between the U.S. And Iran has escalated since attacks on several cities in Iran on February 28, 2026. This backdrop of heightened animosity has led to questions about whether Iran will even be permitted to compete on American soil, and whether their presence would be safe given the current climate.
Trump: “Not Appropriate for Their Safety”
In a social media post on Thursday, March 12, 2026, Trump stated that while the Iranian national team is “welcome” to participate in the tournament, he doesn’t believe it’s “appropriate” for them to be there. “The Iranian Football National Team is welcome to come to the World Cup, but I truly do not believe We see appropriate for them to be there, for their own life and safety,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He did not elaborate further on the specific threats he perceived.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The tournament represents a massive logistical undertaking and a significant moment for international sports diplomacy, now complicated by these political considerations.
Iran’s National Team Responds
The official Instagram account of the Iranian national team swiftly responded to Trump’s comments, questioning why the U.S. President would weigh in on the team’s participation. “The World Cup is a historic and international event, and the governing body is FIFA – not any country,” the account posted.
The Iranian team likewise criticized Trump for what they perceived as an inability to guarantee the safety of their players. “Of course, no one can exclude the Iranian national team from the World Cup,” the message continued. “The only country that can be excluded is the country that only holds the title of ‘host’ but does not have the ability to provide security for the teams participating in this global event.”
What’s at Stake for Iran and the Tournament?
Iran was among the first teams to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, securing their spot under coach Amir Ghalenoei. This would have been Iran’s seventh World Cup appearance, and they have consistently represented Asia in the tournament since the 2014 edition in Brazil. Their participation represents a significant source of national pride and a key opportunity to showcase Iranian sporting talent on a global stage.
However, with the U.S. As a host nation and Trump signaling potential obstacles to their participation – specifically regarding visa access – the future of Iran’s involvement is now uncertain. Trump indicated that entry visas would not be granted to the Iranian squad and staff. “I really don’t care (if Iran participates in the 2026 World Cup),” Trump said in an interview with POLITICO on March 3, 2025. He further stated, “I think Iran is a country that has been utterly defeated. They’re exhausted.”
FIFA has yet to issue a formal response to Trump’s statements. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom, speaking at the International Football Association Board (IFAB) annual meeting, stated that the organization’s focus is “on delivering a safe World Cup for everyone who participates.” However, the lack of a direct response to Trump’s specific comments has fueled speculation about the potential for political interference in the tournament.
The relationship between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Trump is well-documented, with Infantino attending the inaugural meeting of Trump’s Peace Council on February 20. This connection raises questions about whether behind-the-scenes discussions are taking place regarding Iran’s participation.
Group G Implications
Iran was originally scheduled to play in Group G, with matches planned in Los Angeles and Seattle. Their group opponents were to be New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. Should Iran be excluded from the tournament, the composition of Group G would be significantly altered, potentially requiring a reshuffling of teams and a revision of the match schedule. The uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation adds a layer of complexity to the already intricate planning of the 2026 World Cup.
As of March 13, 2026, FIFA has not responded to requests for comment regarding Trump’s statements. The situation remains fluid, and the fate of Iran’s participation hangs in the balance. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether “Team Melli” will be able to compete on the world’s biggest stage.
READ MORE: Iran cannot participate in World Cup, sports minister says
The next official update regarding Iran’s participation is expected from FIFA within the next week. Fans and stakeholders will be closely monitoring the situation for any developments. Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.
