World Cup 2026: Iran fires back at Trump over safety concerns
A war of words has erupted between Iran and the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup, after Donald Trump suggested the Iranian team might not be safe on American soil.
The controversy began when Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali announced a boycott on March 11, citing U.S. military strikes and declaring: “This corrupt government assassinated our leader. There is no condition that would make us participate.”
Trump responded Thursday on Truth Social with a thinly veiled threat: “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome… but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”
Iran’s national team delivered a blistering reply on Instagram. “The World Cup is organized by FIFA—not any individual or country,” the statement read. “The only country that could be excluded is one that merely carries the title of ‘host’ yet lacks the ability to provide security.”
The exchange follows FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s meeting with Trump, after which Infantino claimed Trump had reaffirmed Iran would be welcome.
Iran, drawn in Group G with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, is scheduled to play in California and Washington state.
Despite political tensions, no official withdrawal has been filed with FIFA, leaving the team’s participation in limbo as the tournament approaches.
