Article by Alexandru Stanciu – Published on Thursday, 12 March 2026 20:24 / Updated on Thursday, 12 March 2026 21:00
Donald Trump, the president of the United States of America, initially said that Iran's national team is welcome at the World Cup, which the US will co-host with Mexico and Canada. Still, Trump told the Iranians they could be in grave danger if they decided to participate in the final tournament.
Tensions escalated between the United States of America and Iran after the US in partnership with Israel launched a military attack on the state with its capital in Tehran on the last day of February. The conflict reached high levels after the Iranians attacked American military bases in the Middle East, launching missiles and drones at countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar or Saudi Arabia.
Donald Trump warns Iran not to participate in World Cup: “It's not good for their lives and safety”
Iran was one of the first teams from Asia to secure a place at the World Cup after winning a group that also included countries they are currently in direct conflict with, such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
Donald Trump took a position on this situation and issued a statement on Truth Social: “Iran's national football team is welcome at the World Cup, but I don't think it's right for them to be there, for their lives and safety“.
This statement came in response to harsh statements by Iran's Minister of Sports, Ahmad Doyanmarli, who pointed out: “Since this corrupt government assassinated our leader, Ali Khamenei, we have no intention of participating in the World Cup. Two wars have been imposed on us in eight or nine months and several thousand of our citizens have been killed. We have absolutely no chance of participating.”
Iran is scheduled to play its group matches in Los Angeles and Seattle against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.
