Donald Trump sounds warning to Iran amid uncertainty over FIFA World Cup participation: ‘For their own life and safety’

Donald Trump highlighted security worries as the key reason behind his stance, noting that tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated sharply.

Updated on: Mar 12, 2026, 23:13:40 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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US President Donald Trump sent a pointed message to the Iranian national football team through a post on Truth Social, saying he does not believe it would be appropriate for the side to take part in this year’s FIFA World Cup, which the United States is set to co-host. Trump, on Thursday, highlighted security worries as the key reason behind his stance, noting that tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated sharply, with the two nations currently locked in a military conflict.

Donald Trump issues stark warning to Iran amid uncertainty over FIFA World Cup participation: (AP and Reuters)

"The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup," Trump wrote on his social media site, “but I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”

Iran's sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said on Wednesday that it would be impossible for athletes from Iran to take part in the upcoming FIFA World Cup after the United States carried out airstrikes on Tehran in coordination with Israel.

“Due to the wicked acts they have done against Iran — they have imposed two wars on us over just eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people — definitely it’s not possible for us to take part in the World Cup,” he said.

Iran scheduled to play in LA and Seattle

The expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026 will be staged across United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Iran national football team are slated to play their scheduled matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.

Iran booked their fourth straight berth at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after finishing top of Group A in the third round of Asian qualifying last year. If a replacement is required, it would likely come from Asia, though identifying the next team in line may not be entirely straightforward.

A withdrawal would be governed by Article Six of the World Cup regulations which, while stipulating a series of financial penalties for such a move, also states that FIFA would be at liberty to call up any nation it chooses to fill the void.

Trump this week weighed in on the case of Iran's visiting women footballers in Australia, calling for them to get asylum.

The players feared they could face retaliation back home for not singing the national anthem before an Asian Cup match. Australia later agreed to grant asylum to the five players who decided to stay.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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