Iran team hit back at Trump over FIFA World Cup exclusion threat

President Donald Trump has discouraged the Iranian national soccer team from attending the upcoming World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States. Trump cited safety concerns for the Iranian players as the reason, referencing ongoing tensions between the two countries. He stated that it might not be "appropriate" for them to attend for their own well-being. This statement contrasts with earlier remarks made to FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House. Iranian leaders had previously indicated that participation in the World Cup was "not possible" for the country. The World Cup is scheduled for this year, with the United States as one of the host nations.

In March 2026, US President Donald Trump stated that it was not "appropriate" for Iran's national football team to participate in the FIFA World Cup, which the US is co-hosting with Mexico and Canada. Trump cited concerns for the Iranian team's "life and safety" without providing further details. This followed a statement from Iranian authorities indicating they would not participate due to the US-Israeli conflict against their country. FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously stated that Trump assured him the Iranian team would be welcomed. The World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11, with Iran's group-stage games planned to take place in the US against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. Trump received the FIFA Peace Prize in December of the previous year.

Iran's sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, announced that the country will not participate in the 2026 World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The decision stems from recent air strikes launched by the U.S. and Israel on Iran, resulting in the death of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Donyamali cited safety concerns for Iranian athletes and fundamentally unsuitable conditions for participation as reasons for the withdrawal. The 2026 World Cup, featuring 48 teams, is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19.

Iran's sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, has stated that the country will not participate in the FIFA World Cup due to the US and Israeli attacks on its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The US is co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico, but all of Iran's group-stage fixtures are allocated to American cities. Donyamali cited the "malicious actions" carried out by the US and Israel as a reason for not participating, citing the killing of thousands of Iranian people and the destruction of infrastructure in the region. The attacks began on February 28 and have resulted in over 1,255 deaths and 12,000 injuries. Iran has responded with missile strikes against Israel and military bases in the Middle East where US forces operate. This decision marks the first official statement from an Iranian government official regarding participation in the World Cup since the attacks began.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, faces several challenges ahead of its June 11 kickoff. The primary concern is Iran's potential withdrawal due to the US-Israeli war, triggered by the assassination of Iran's supreme leader in late February. Iran's sports minister stated the nation cannot participate in the World Cup, as all of its group games are scheduled in US cities. Other issues include violence in Mexico related to drug cartels and potential visa bans. The article also mentions Iraq's qualifier. The opening match is scheduled between Mexico and South Africa.