US President Trump criticizes Irans participation in the upcoming World Cup

US President Donald Trump has stated that Iran’s national football team would be welcome to participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, but he believes it would not be safe for them to attend due to security concerns.

The US president made this statement on social media, following Iranian authorities’ decision to withdraw from the tournament amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, with several group-stage games scheduled to take place in the US, including in Los Angeles and Seattle.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Trump told him that the Iranian team would be welcomed in the US. However, it is unclear whether this will ultimately happen due to security concerns.

The FIFA World Cup regulations state that if a participating member association withdraws or is excluded from the tournament, FIFA will decide on the matter at its sole discretion and take necessary action. It is possible that Iran may be replaced by another team, but this decision has not been made yet.

Iran’s national football team was initially scheduled to play in Group G, against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. However, with their withdrawal from the tournament, FIFA will need to decide on alternative arrangements for these matches.

Source: Al Jazeera