March 12 - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the Iran men's national soccer team was welcome to take part in the 2026 World Cup, but he added that he did not think it was appropriate for them to be there "for their own life and safety." The statement was posted on Truth Social.
In his post, the president wrote: "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."
The remarks followed a separate announcement from Iran's sports minister, who said on Wednesday that Iran cannot participate in the World Cup after the United States launched airstrikes alongside Israel against Tehran. That statement from the sports ministry indicated that Iran would not take part in the tournament amid the security development.
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams and is scheduled to take place in three host countries - the United States, Canada and Mexico - from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Under the tournament schedule, Iran had been due to play matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Context in brief:
- President Trump publicly affirmed that the Iranian team is welcome to the tournament while simultaneously questioning whether it is appropriate for them to attend because of safety concerns.
- Iran's sports minister announced that Iran cannot participate after U.S. airstrikes carried out alongside Israel against Tehran.
- The World Cup will be a 48-team event hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with Iran scheduled for matches in Los Angeles and Seattle prior to the announcement.
The sequence of public statements - the sports minister's declaration and the U.S. president's post - outlines competing positions on Iran's participation. The sports minister's comment asserts non-participation in response to the airstrikes, while the president's message welcomes the team but raises safety objections.
No additional scheduling changes, security measures or logistical decisions were detailed in the statements referenced here. The public remarks are limited to the president's post on Truth Social and the sports minister's announcement regarding non-participation.