America’s head of state, Donald Trump, stated on Thursday that Iran’s national football squad is “invited” to contend at the FIFA World Cup hosted in the U.S., though he cautioned them against taking part for the sake of “their personal well-being.”
Through the social media platform Truth Social, Trump posted: “The Iranian National Football Squad is invited to The World Cup; however, I genuinely deem their presence there unsuitable, considering their personal existence and security. I appreciate your focus on this subject! President DONALD J. TRUMP”.
Iran had been scheduled to compete in two games in Los Angeles during June — pitting them against New Zealand and Belgium, in that order — prior to encountering Egypt in Seattle for their concluding group phase contest.
The Iranian minister for sports announced on Wednesday that Iran is unable to take part in the 2026 World Cup subsequent to aerial assaults launched against the nation by both the U.S. and Israel.
“Considering that this dishonest administration murdered our supreme figure, we can in no way engage in the World Cup,’ ” Ahmad Donyamali reportedly conveyed to Iranian national television.
Iran’s paramount spiritual guide, Ayatollah Ali Khameini, perished during the initial day of the offensives. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has subsequently assumed his position.
Nevertheless, their involvement became uncertain once the U.S. and Israel commenced aerial assaults on February 28.
Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, had communicated via social platforms on Wednesday that President Trump had guaranteed him Iran would be “invited” to contend.