Donald Trump has publicly expressed reservations about the Iranian national team taking part in World Cup 2026, which the United States, Canada and Mexico will host.
The statement comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East following the conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran. Earlier, Iran’s Minister of Sports, Ahmad Doyanmali, had already suggested that his country would boycott the tournament, despite being drawn in a group with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.
The American president addressed the issue on his social network Truth, suggesting that Iran’s participation could pose risks.
“The Iranian national football team is welcome at the World Cup, but I don’t really think their presence is appropriate for their own life and safety,” he wrote. His remarks add another political dimension to the growing uncertainty surrounding Iran’s place in the upcoming global tournament.