Politis

Trump on Iran's Participation in the 2026 World Cup: 'Welcome, but...'

Published March 12, 2026, 17:18
Trump on Iran's Participation in the 2026 World Cup: 'Welcome, but...'

Donald Trump stated that the Iranian national football team is welcome to participate in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, but questioned the safety of Iranian players. The statement comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran, against the backdrop of recent airstrikes. Iran's Minister of Sports responded that the country's participation in the tournament is uncertain due to current geopolitical conditions. The 2026 World Cup will be the first with 48 teams, and Iran has already qualified, being placed in Group 7 alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. Trump's statement has sparked debate about the intersection of politics and sports.