Trump Suggests Iran Should Avoid World Cup Over Security Concerns

US President Donald Trump has suggested that Iran’s national football team should reconsider participating in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, warning that their “life and safety” could be at risk if they attend the tournament in North America.

The comments, posted on Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, appeared to contradict remarks he made earlier in the week during a meeting with Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, when he indicated that the Iranian team would be welcomed.

“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,” Trump wrote.

The tournament, scheduled to take place this summer, will be jointly hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico.

Trump’s remarks come amid heightened geopolitical tensions following a conflict reportedly triggered by joint US–Israeli strikes on 28 February. The escalation has raised uncertainty over Iran’s participation in the global football showpiece.

Despite his warning, Trump later emphasised that the United States remains committed to hosting a safe and successful tournament for teams and supporters from around the world.

“The United States of America looks very much forward to hosting the FIFA World Cup,” he wrote in a subsequent message. “Ticket sales are through the roof.

“It will be the greatest and safest sporting event in American history. All players, officials and fans will be treated like the ‘stars’ that they are.”

Infantino earlier confirmed that the situation in Iran had been discussed during his meeting with Trump at the White House.

“President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” Infantino said following their talks.

The FIFA president has also recently acknowledged the broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East — the first time he has publicly addressed the ongoing conflict in relation to international football.

Elsewhere, Trump also commented this week on the situation involving members of Iran’s women’s football team who were visiting Australia for the AFC Women's Asian Cup.

The players reportedly feared possible retaliation upon returning home after declining to sing the national anthem before a match during the tournament. Trump called for them to be granted asylum, and Australian authorities later confirmed that five players who chose to remain in the country would be allowed to stay.