Donald Trump: Iran's Safety at Risk if They Attend 2026 World Cup

Iran's participation in 2026 World Cup uncertain after Trump's safety warning

US President Donald Trump expresses concerns over Iranian team's safety at 2026 World Cup, citing ongoing conflict.

FIFA considers replacing Iran with Iraq or UAE in World Cup 2026 after withdrawal announcement...

US President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Iran's men's national soccer team to participate in the 2026 World Cup, but warned it's not safe for them to attend, citing concerns for their “life and safety.” Trump made this statement on his Truth Social platform, saying, “The Iran 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.”

🚨 TRUMP : "I have the capability to make it nearly impossible for Iran to rebuild"

"And all of that can be done by the United States military within one hour"

"It’s just a question of when. When do we stop?"

"I’m watching some of the news. Most people say it’s already been… pic.twitter.com/sR8Wt4jy9W

— News Algebra (@NewsAlgebraIND) March 12, 2026

This comment comes after Trump's earlier assurance to FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Iran is welcome to compete in the tournament. However, Iran's sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, stated that the country cannot participate in the World Cup due to the ongoing conflict with the US and Israel, which has resulted in the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“The ‌Iran 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,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Iran's potential withdrawal from the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be a historic first in the modern era, leaving FIFA scrambling to find a replacement team. If Iran officially pulls out, FIFA's regulations grant them full discretion to choose a replacement, with Iraq and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) being top contenders.

Iraq, currently ranked 58th in FIFA rankings, is the most likely candidate, as they're already set to participate in the intercontinental playoff. If Iraq qualifies through the playoffs, the UAE, who lost to Iraq in the AFC playoff, could be next in line.

Other possibilities include Bolivia or Suriname, who are involved in the playoff semi-finals, or even Italy, if FIFA decides to choose a high-profile team outside Asia.

Iran skipped a recent FIFA planning summit for World Cup participants in Atlanta, sparking speculation about its participation in the 2026 tournament. FIFA hasn't commented on Iran's absence or potential replacement.

Meanwhile, FIFA awarded US President Donald Trump its inaugural peace prize late last year, despite his aggressive campaign for the Nobel Peace Prize. This move has raised eyebrows, especially given Trump's involvement in the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Australia has granted humanitarian visas to seven members of the Iranian women's soccer team, including six players and one staff member, after they sought asylum fearing persecution upon return home. The players had refused to sing the national anthem at an Asia Cup match, sparking outrage in Iran, with state media labeling them “traitors.”

US President Donald Trump had urged Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to grant asylum to the team members, threatening that the US would offer asylum if Australia didn't. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the visas were granted after individual interviews with the players, ensuring no pressure was applied.

Iran's sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, announced that the country won't participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to safety concerns and the ongoing conflict with the US and Israel. The decision comes after the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, killing its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and sparking a region-wide conflict.

The World Cup is scheduled to take place in the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, with Iran's matches set for Los Angeles and Seattle. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stated that Iran is welcome to compete, citing assurances from US President Donald Trump.