Trump Discourages Iranian Soccer Team from World Cup Due to Safety Concerns

President cites potential threats to Iranian players' 'life and safety' as reason for not attending tournament co-hosted by U.S.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:40pm

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President Donald Trump said he does not believe it is 'appropriate' for the Iranian soccer team to attend this year's World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States, citing safety concerns. Trump's statement appears to contradict previous assurances from the White House that Iranian players and coaches would be welcome at the tournament. Iran's soccer federation had planned to take the team to a training camp in Arizona ahead of the World Cup, but Trump's comments raise questions about their participation.

Why it matters

The dispute over Iran's participation in the World Cup highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which have escalated since February with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. The decision could impact the Iranian team's preparations and participation in the tournament, as well as the broader geopolitical dynamics surrounding the World Cup.

The details

Trump's message on social media stated that '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.' The White House did not immediately clarify what Trump meant by this, such as whether he anticipated threats against the Iranian players while in the U.S. Iran is scheduled to play matches in Inglewood, California, Seattle, and potentially other U.S. host cities during the tournament.

  • The World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
  • Iran is scheduled to play its first World Cup match on June 15, 2026 against New Zealand in Inglewood, California.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who expressed concerns about the Iranian soccer team's safety at the 2026 World Cup.

Gianni Infantino

The President of FIFA, the international governing body of association football, who previously said Trump assured him Iranian players and coaches would be welcome at the World Cup.

Iran National Soccer Team

The national soccer team of Iran, which was scheduled to participate in the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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What they’re 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.”

— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President (police1.com)

“All parties have experience of hosting major sports events on a regular basis and established arrangements are in place for managing security and safety at stadiums and for high-profile individuals.”

— FIFA (police1.com)

What’s next

The U.S. government and FIFA will need to further discuss the security and safety arrangements for the Iranian soccer team's participation in the 2026 World Cup. The Iranian soccer federation has planned to take the team to a training camp in Arizona prior to the tournament, but Trump's comments raise questions about whether that will still be possible.

The takeaway

This dispute over Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup reflects the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran, and highlights the challenges of hosting a global sporting event amid complex international conflicts. The decision could have significant implications for the Iranian team's preparations and performance, as well as the broader diplomatic dynamics surrounding the World Cup.