Iran’s flag is displayed on a display screen through the draw for the 2026 FIFA Soccer World Cup. File
| Picture Credit score: AFP
President Donald Trump recommended on Thursday (March 12, 2026) that Iran’s nationwide soccer workforce ought to withdraw from the upcoming FIFA World Cup as a private security measure.
Mr. Trump wrote on Fact Social, the social media platform he owns, that Iran is welcome to play this summer time in the USA, “however I actually don’t consider it’s acceptable that they be there, for their very own life and security. Thanks to your consideration to this matter!”
Every of Iran’s three group stage matches is scheduled to happen on American soil.
The Iranians open Group G play in Inglewood, Calif., towards New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21. They’re slated to face Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.
The U.S. and Israel initiated battle with Iran on Feb. 28 with a sequence of airstrikes that killed the longtime Iranian supreme chief, Ali Khameini, and different officers.
Iran’s nationwide sports activities minister, Ahmad Donyamali, reportedly informed state tv this week that the nation couldn’t take part within the World Cup following Khameini’s demise.
The White Home did not instantly clarify the reference to “security” in Mr. Trump’s publish, which appeared to battle with what he stated in a current assembly with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
“President Trump reiterated that the Iranian workforce is, after all, welcome to compete within the event in the USA,” Mr. Infantino wrote in an Instagram publish on Tuesday.
“All of us want an occasion just like the FIFA World Cup to deliver individuals collectively now greater than ever, and I sincerely thank the President of the USA for his assist, because it exhibits as soon as once more that Soccer Unites the World.”
The 48-team World Cup, the most important in event historical past, runs from June 11 to July 19 within the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Iran deliberate to coach in Tucson, Ariz., earlier than the group stage.
Ranked No. 20 on the earth, the Iranians certified for the World Cup for the fourth consecutive time final March as one of many prime sides within the Asian Soccer Confederation. They have been eradicated from the group stage in 2022 with a 1-0 loss to the U.S. in Doha, Qatar.
Iranian athletes and coaches are exempt from the journey ban Mr. Trump imposed towards their nation final June.
Revealed – March 13, 2026 05:07 am IST