![[Trump] warns Iran to skip World Cup due to conflict.](https://beijingtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/journalist2F3b22147a-227f-4d21-b519-0759eb2057472Fthumbnail.jpeg "journalist2F3b22147a-227f-4d21-b519-0759eb2057472Fthumbnail")
U.S. President Donald Trump has advised the Iranian national soccer team against participating in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, citing “life and safety” concerns. This statement comes amidst escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran, following recent airstrikes and the death of Iran’s supreme leader.
President Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to express his view that while the Iranian national soccer team is “welcome to The World Cup,” it would be best for them not to participate “for their own life and safety.” This statement marks a departure from earlier communications where Trump had assured FIFA President Gianni Infantino that the Iranian team would be welcomed in the United States.
The Iranian sports minister had already announced that the country could not participate in the 2026 World Cup. This decision was attributed to recent airstrikes by the United States and Israel, which resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The minister stated that under such circumstances, participation was impossible and players’ safety could not be guaranteed.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously expressed gratitude to President Trump for assuring Iran’s welcome at the tournament, emphasizing football’s unifying power. However, with Iran’s likely withdrawal, FIFA faces decisions regarding potential replacements or adjustments to the tournament schedule. Iran is scheduled to play its group-stage matches in Inglewood, California, and Seattle, Washington.
While the U.S. government has stated that athletes and coaches are exempt from the travel ban, Trump’s comments raise questions about anticipated threats against the Iranian team within the United States. The article also references past instances where the Iranian national team has made gestures of protest or mourning during international competitions, reflecting the political climate in Iran.