President Donald Trump stated he didn’t assume it will be āappropriateā for the Iranian soccer team to attend this 12 monthsās World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, and cited safety concerns as a cause on Thursday, whereas the international locations are embroiled in a warfare.
āThe Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup,ā Trump wrote on his social media web site, ābut I really donāt believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.ā Iranian leaders stated earlier this week that itās ānot possibleā for the nation to take part within the World Cup.
Trumpās message seems to depart considerably from what the Republican president relayed Tuesday on the White House to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who later publicly stated that Trump assured him the Iranian gamers and coaches could be welcome.
Private talks confirmed participation assurances
A White House official, who insisted on anonymity to debate non-public conversations, had confirmed Trumpās message to Infantino about Iranās participation.
On Thursday, the White House didn’t instantly make clear what Trump meant by ātheir own life and safety,ā comparable to whether or not he anticipated threats in opposition to them whereas within the United States after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that started Feb. 28.
Iran scheduled matches in US cities
Iran, certainly one of 48 groups within the event, is scheduled to play in Inglewood, California, in opposition to New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 earlier than ending group play in Seattle in opposition to Egypt on June 26. The U.S. is internet hosting the event with Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Travel ban exemptions for athletes utilized
Since June, Iran has been topic to a journey ban into the U.S. as a part of the Trump administrationās immigration crackdown. But athletes and coaches from the goal nations are exempt, which implies the Iranian team could be allowed to enter the U.S.
Published on March 12, 2026
