Trump Warns Iranian World Cup Team Away from U.S. Over Safety Concerns

The former president suggests Iran's national team should not participate in the World Cup in the U.S. due to security risks.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:18pm

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Former President Donald Trump suggested on Thursday that Iran's national soccer team should not travel to the U.S. to compete in the World Cup later this year, citing concerns for their "own life and safety." Iran's sports minister had previously announced the team would be unable to participate due to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

Why it matters

Trump's warning to the Iranian team is highly unusual, as the World Cup and Olympics have long been considered diplomatic opportunities beyond just athletic competition. His comments contrast sharply with his recent offer to grant asylum to members of Iran's women's soccer team.

The details

Iran's national team was scheduled to play three opening-group matches in June in U.S. cities: against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles and against Egypt in Seattle. However, Iran's sports minister said Wednesday that the team would be unable to participate due to the ongoing conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

  • Iran's national team was scheduled to play three World Cup matches in the U.S. in June 2026.
  • On March 12, 2026, Trump posted on Truth Social warning the Iranian team about traveling to the U.S. for the World Cup.
  • On March 11, 2026, Iran's sports minister announced the team would be unable to participate in the World Cup due to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who warned the Iranian national soccer team against traveling to the U.S. for the 2026 World Cup.

Ahmad Donyamali

The sports minister of Iran who announced the country's national team would be unable to participate in the 2026 World Cup due to the ongoing conflict with the U.S. and Israel.

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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

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

— Ahmad Donyamali, Iran Sports Minister

What’s next

The U.S. and Iran have not indicated any plans to resolve the ongoing conflict that has prevented Iran's national soccer team from participating in the 2026 World Cup.

The takeaway

Trump's warning to the Iranian soccer team highlights the broader geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which have now spilled over into the realm of international sports. The inability of the Iranian team to compete in the World Cup is a significant diplomatic setback, underscoring how political conflicts can disrupt global sporting events.