Here’s what Trump is thinking.
President Donald Trump addressed growing controversy Thursday surrounding Iran’s possible participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which the United States will co-host this summer.
In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump said the Iranian national soccer team would technically be allowed to compete, but he questioned whether their participation would be appropriate given the current geopolitical tensions.
“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.
The president’s remarks come as global tensions tied to the ongoing conflict with Iran continue to escalate.
Iran Signals It May Not Attend World Cup
The controversy intensified after Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, suggested his country may withdraw from the tournament entirely.
Speaking on Iranian state television Wednesday, Donyamali said it may be “impossible” for Iran to participate, accusing the United States of carrying out what he called “hostile acts” during the conflict that began on February 28.
Iranian officials have pointed specifically to the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameni, who was reportedly killed during an Israeli airstrike earlier in the war.
The escalating situation has left international sports officials uncertain about whether Iran will ultimately compete in the global tournament.
FIFA Says Iran Is Still Welcome
Despite the rising tensions, FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently confirmed that Iran remains eligible to play in the tournament.
Infantino revealed on Instagram that he met with President Trump earlier this week and said the president reaffirmed that the Iranian national team would be allowed to participate if it chooses.
“We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever,” Infantino wrote.
“I sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that football unites the world.”
Trump has maintained a close working relationship with FIFA leadership as the United States prepares to host one of the largest sporting events in the world.
Iran Already Qualified For The 2026 Tournament
Iran officially secured qualification for the World Cup in the summer of 2025.
The team had been scheduled to play three group-stage matches in the United States, including games in Los Angeles and Seattle on:
- June 15
- June 21
- June 26
Iran was set to face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt during the opening stage of the tournament.
However, the growing political conflict has raised serious questions about whether those matches will take place as originally planned.
A Rare Situation In World Cup History
If Iran ultimately withdraws, it would mark an extremely rare moment in the history of the FIFA World Cup.
Since the first tournament in 1930, no team that successfully qualified has voluntarily pulled out of the final competition because of political tensions.
There have been cases where countries refused to participate in qualifying matches due to geopolitical conflicts. One of the most famous examples occurred ahead of the 1974 World Cup, when the Soviet Union refused to travel to Chile following a military coup that brought General Augusto Pinochet to power.
The Soviets were ultimately disqualified from the tournament.
FIFA May Need To Replace Iran
If Iran decides not to participate, FIFA would need to find a replacement team for the expanded 48-nation tournament.
One potential solution involves adjusting an upcoming international playoff match. A scheduled March 31 playoff between Iraq and the winner of a match between Bolivia and Suriname could determine who takes Iran’s place.
Under that scenario, Iraq could move directly into Iran’s slot, while the playoff winner would fill the remaining tournament position.
However, even that solution may face logistical problems.
Regional Conflict Complicates Scheduling
Iraq’s national team coach, Graham Arnold, recently asked FIFA to delay the scheduled playoff match.
The request comes as Iraqi airspace remains closed due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Officials say the airspace shutdown could remain in place until at least April 1, creating uncertainty for international travel.
As tensions continue to unfold, FIFA officials and tournament organizers are closely monitoring the situation.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the question of whether Iran will participate has quickly become one of the most unusual and politically sensitive issues the tournament has faced in decades.