Donald Trump has warned against Iran competing at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Even though he repeated his claim that the Iranian team is “welcome” to take part, the U.S. president insisted on social media their participation would be ill advised, “for their own life and safety.”

Iran minister casts doubt on World Cup participation

On Wednesday, Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, ruled out the possibility of the men’s national team playing at this summer’s World Cup in the United States because of the ongoing war in the Middle East.

The United States and Israel have been carrying out airstrikes against Iran since Feb. 28. During the attacks, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed, Iranian authorities reported.

“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 wrote on Truth Social on Thursday.

FIFA says Iran still welcome to compete

Earlier this week, FIFA president Gianni Infantino posted on Instagram that Trump had made it clear to him that Iran’s national team would be permitted to play in the competition despite ongoing political tensions between the two countries.

“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.

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

Iraq could replace Iran if withdrawal confirmed

Iran were drawn to play their three group stage games against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in U.S. cities. The first two were scheduled for Inglewood, California, and the third in Seattle.

However, Donyamali’s comments suggest that may now not happen, although Iran’s withdrawal from the tournament has yet to be officially confirmed.

If Iran do pull out, they would likely be replaced by Iraq, who are due to represent the Asian Football Confederation in an intercontinental playoff in Mexico on March 31.

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