By Sabiu Abdullahi
United States President Donald Trump has suggested that Iran’s national football team should reconsider taking part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, citing concerns about the players’ safety.
Trump shared the view in a message posted on his Truth Social account on Thursday. He stated that the Iranian team would still be welcomed at the tournament. However, he said the present circumstances might make participation risky.
“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. Thank you …,” Trump wrote.
The comment comes at a time of rising tension between the United States and Iran. The situation has raised concerns about security and diplomatic relations ahead of the global football competition.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament will feature an expanded format with 48 national teams.
Iran has already secured qualification for the competition. The team has been placed in a group with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. Their matches are scheduled to be played in cities across the United States.
Trump’s statement appears to differ from earlier assurances he gave to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. At that time, he indicated that the Iranian team would be allowed to participate in the tournament.
Iranian officials have also expressed doubts about the country’s participation. The country’s sports minister said the team may not attend the competition under the current conditions. He argued that Iranian athletes might not be safe if they travel to the United States.
The situation has created uncertainty over Iran’s final decision on the tournament. It has also raised questions about how FIFA would respond if the country withdraws.
Trump also used the social media post to repeat his opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. He noted that the United States produces more oil than any other country and could benefit financially if oil prices increase.
“The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money,” Trump said.
He added that financial gains were not his main concern as president.
“But, of far greater interest and importance to me, as President, is stoping an evil Empire, Iran, from having Nuclear Weapons, and destroying the Middle East and, indeed, the World,” he added.
Trump ended the message with a firm warning.
“I won’t ever let that happen!” he said.
Meanwhile, tensions surrounding Iranian football players have also drawn attention in Australia. Authorities there recently relocated six members of Iran’s women’s national football team after they sought asylum in the country.
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the emergency relocation while addressing parliament. He said the government acted after learning that one of the players had contacted the Iranian embassy and revealed the group’s location.
“Unfortunately, in making that decision, she’d been advised by her teammates and coach to contact the Iranian embassy and to get collected,” Burke said.
“I immediately gave the instruction for people to be moved,” he added.
The issue began after the players refused to sing Iran’s national anthem before a match. The action drew criticism from Iranian state media, which reportedly described the athletes as traitors. Human rights groups later raised concerns about the players’ safety, which led Australian authorities to arrange visas and protective accommodation for them.
