U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Iran’s national soccer team is welcome to take part in the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the United States, but he also advised the team not to participate, citing concerns about their safety.
Trump’s remarks linked Iran’s potential World Cup appearance to security considerations, though he did not provide specific details about any threats or the nature of his concerns. His comments place the Iran men’s national team at the intersection of a major global sporting event and ongoing political tensions between Washington and Tehran.
By stating that the team is “welcome” to compete, Trump signaled that the U.S. government is not seeking to formally bar Iran from the tournament. Participation in the World Cup is determined by FIFA, world football’s governing body, based on qualification through regional competitions and compliance with its regulations, not by host-nation political declarations alone.
At the same time, the president’s suggestion that Iran should consider skipping the event “for their own safety” introduces a note of uncertainty around the team’s potential involvement. It raises questions about what, if any, additional security measures might be taken should Iran qualify and choose to attend, and how both nations’ authorities would coordinate around team protection, fan safety, and matchday operations.
The World Cup, scheduled to be co-hosted in the United States, is expected to draw national teams and supporters from around the world. Host countries typically work with participating nations to ensure the security of players, staff, and fans, including through venue protections, secure travel arrangements, and coordination with local and federal law enforcement.
Trump did not elaborate on whether his statement reflected an official policy stance, internal security assessments, or a personal viewpoint. Iranian football authorities and players have not yet publicly responded to the president’s comments, and there has been no immediate indication from Iran’s side about any change in approach to World Cup qualification or participation.
FIFA has not issued a detailed public reaction to the specific remarks. Historically, the organization has emphasized that football should remain separate from political disputes, while also relying on host nations to guarantee safety and non-discriminatory access for qualified teams.
As the tournament approaches, attention is likely to focus on whether Iran qualifies on the field and, if so, how both nations address the practical aspects of participation. For players and supporters, the situation underscores how major international competitions can be shaped not only by results on the pitch but also by wider diplomatic and security considerations that surround the sport.
