US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that while Iran’s soccer team is allowed to compete in the 2026 World Cup, he believes it may not be appropriate for them to participate because of concerns about their safety, Reuters reported.
Iran has qualified for the 48-team tournament, which will be held in the US, Canada and Mexico starting June 11, and is scheduled to play two group games in Los Angeles and one in Seattle, Reuters reported.
“The Iranian national soccer team is welcome at the World Cup, but I really don’t believe it’s appropriate for them to be there, for their own lives and safety,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
The Football Association of Iran (FFIRI) issued a statement on social media late Thursday that the United States should not be allowed to host the World Cup unless it can guarantee the safety of the players, Reuters reported.
“The World Cup is a historic and international event and is administered by FIFA, not any country,” it said.
“Some so-called celebrities want the Iranian team to be expelled from the World Cup, but if any country should be expelled, it is the host country that cannot ensure the safety of the participating teams.”
(This is a current report; check back later for updates…)
(With input from agencies)
