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Trump stated that Iran is welcome at the quadrennial spectacle slated to begin in June in North America, however added that it wouldn’t be safe for the players travelling.
US President Donald Trump (Image Courtesy: AP)
The President of the United States of America, Donald J Trump, opined that the Iranian football team should skip the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico for their own life and safety amid the escalating tensions and conflict in the Middle East.
Trump stated that the Iran national side is welcome at the quadrennial spectacle slated to begin in June in North America, however added that it wouldn’t be safe for the players travelling.
Trump’s statements come mere days after he had promised FIFA boss Gianni Infantino that Iranian players would be permitted to compete at the FIFA showpiece.
“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 said on his Truth Social platform.
Trump, however, shared another post which suggested that the sides travelling to the expanded edition of the sport, will be
“The United States of America looks very much forward to hosting the FIFA World Cup,” Trump wrote.
“Ticket sales are ‘through the roof!’
“It will be the Greatest and Safest Sporting Event in American History. All Players, Officials, and Fans will be treated like the ‘STARS’ that they are!”
Infantino, the head of the world’s football governing body, mentioned earlier this week that during a meeting with Trump at the White House, they had discussed the current situation in Iran.
This marks the first time the football chief has acknowledged the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” Infantino had said following their meeting last week.
Trump also addressed the issue concerning the Iranian women footballers visiting Australia, advocating for them to receive asylum.
The players feared repercussions at home for not singing the national anthem before an Asian Cup match. Australia subsequently agreed to grant asylum to the five players who chose to remain.
United States of America (USA)
March 13, 2026, 09:15 IST
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