Trump Questions Iran's World Cup Safety

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Thursday, March 12, that the Iranian men's national soccer team's participation in the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, was inappropriate due to concerns for their "life and safety." This statement follows Iran's sports minister indicating on Wednesday that participation might not be possible after U.S. airstrikes against Tehran, which escalated regional conflict. The 48-team tournament is set to run from June 11 to July 19, with Iran having matches scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle.

An official withdrawal by Iran, which has not yet occurred, would mark a historic first for the event in the modern era, necessitating FIFA to find a replacement team. Iran was notably absent from a FIFA planning summit for World Cup participants held last week in Atlanta. Earlier this week, Australia granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women soccer players who sought asylum after refusing to sing the national anthem at an Asia Cup match, a situation Trump had publicly addressed.