Trump says Iran World Cup team may not be safe in US

US President Donald Trump has suggested Iran’s national football team should not take part in the upcoming 2026 Fifa World Cup in North America, suggesting that their safety could not be guaranteed.

Speaking about the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, Trump said Iran’s team was technically “welcome”, but questioned whether their participation would be appropriate.

“I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety,” he said without outlining where the threat would come from.

Iran is scheduled to play three group-stage matches beginning on 11 June, including fixtures against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, followed by a match against Egypt in Seattle.

The comments come after Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, said the team would not take part in the tournament following the US-Israeli war on Iran.

“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” he said.