Trump recommends the Iranian national team not to attend the World Cup "for their own safety"
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated that the Iranian national team is welcome to play in the 2026 World Cup, although he recommended that they not participate for “their own safety”, amid tension after the war between Washington and Tehran.
TL;DR
- Donald Trump stated Iran's national soccer team is welcome at the World Cup in the US but advised against it for their own safety.
- This statement follows Iran's Sports Minister's declaration that participation is impossible after the assassination of their supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, and due to ongoing wars.
- The World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States, with Iran scheduled to play matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
- Previously, Trump had guaranteed visas for Iranian players and coaches but not for fans due to national security concerns.