U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by stating that the Iranian national football team should not participate in the 2026 World Cup for their own safety, prompting a sharp rebuttal from Iranian football authorities and calls for FIFA intervention.
Trump's Safety Concerns
President Trump stated on Truth Social that while Iran is welcome, their participation is inappropriate due to geopolitical tensions and safety risks.
Iranian Defiance
The FFIRI and the national team asserted that no one can exclude them and questioned the U.S. ability to host if safety cannot be guaranteed.
FIFA's Previous Assurances
FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously claimed Trump had assured him Iran would be allowed entry for the tournament.
Human Rights Watch Intervention
HRW has called on FIFA to implement protection measures and uphold non-discrimination standards for all 48 participating teams.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on March 12, 2026, that it is not appropriate for the Iranian national football team to participate in the upcoming 2026 World Cup for their own life and safety. Writing on his Truth Social platform, Donald Trump noted that while the team is technically welcome, the current geopolitical climate makes their attendance ill-advised. This statement follows a period of heightened tension and conflict between the United States and Iran. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously stated that Donald Trump provided assurances that the Iranian delegation would be granted entry into the country for the tournament. The 2026 World Cup is set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico across multiple North American cities. „The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don't believe it is appropriate for their own life and safety” — Donald Trump via Reuters
The Iranian national team and the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran issued a sharp rebuttal to the American president's remarks on March 13, 2026. In a public statement, the national team asserted that no external power has the authority to prevent them from competing in the global tournament. The FFIRI further argued that if the United States is unable to guarantee the safety of international athletes, it should not be allowed to host the World Cup. Iranian officials characterized the comments as a direct challenge to their sovereignty and sporting merit. Iran has already qualified for the competition and is currently scheduled to play its group stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle. „No one can exclude the Iranian national team” — Iranian National Team via SAPO
Human Rights Watch and several other international rights organizations have called on FIFA to take immediate action to ensure the 2026 World Cup remains inclusive. These groups are urging the world football governing body to implement specific protection measures for teams facing diplomatic or security threats. The organizations emphasized that FIFA must uphold its own statutes regarding non-discrimination and the safety of all participants. FIFA has yet to issue a formal response to the latest developments or the Iranian federation's challenge to U.S. hosting eligibility. The tournament marks the first time three nations have shared hosting duties for the FIFA World Cup. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the 23rd edition of the tournament and the first to feature 48 teams. The United States previously hosted the tournament in 1994, while Mexico hosted in 1970 and 1986. Canada has never hosted the men's World Cup but did host the Women's World Cup in 2015. The selection of the North American bid occurred during the 68th FIFA Congress in Moscow in 2018.
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