Trump Calls For Iran’s Removal From 2026 World Cup After FIFA Assurances Spark Confusion

‎Donald Trump said on Thursday that Iran should be barred from taking part in the upcoming World Cup in North America, just days after telling FIFA’s president that they would be welcome despite the conflict in the Middle East.

‎“The Iranian 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 US president said on his Truth Social platform.

‎Two days after FIFA president Gianni Infantino said he had assurances from Trump that Iran would be welcome at the tournament, which the United States is co-hosting with Mexico and Canada, the comments followed.

‎“We also spoke about the current situation in Iran, and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026,” Infantino wrote in a Tuesday post on Instagram.

‎“During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.

‎“We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that football unites the world.”

‎On Wednesday, Iranian sports minister Ahmad Donyamali stated that Iran would not participate in the World Cup “under no circumstances.” He was the first government official to address the World Cup since the US began bombing Iran with support from Israel earlier this month.

‎Iran and FIFA have not yet issued an official update regarding the country’s participation.

‎Iran is placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.

‎The three group-stage matches are slated to be held in the United States, with two games in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.