The FIFA World Cup, the pinnacle of international football, is set to kick off on June 11th. In a recent social media post dated March 12th, former President Donald Trump expressed a conflicting stance regarding the participation of the Iranian national football team in the upcoming summer tournament in the United States. While welcoming their involvement, he also voiced concerns for the safety of the Iranian players.
In his post on the platform “Truth Social” at 11:00 AM on March 12th, Trump stated, “Welcome to the Iranian national football team to the World Cup, but I sincerely believe that it may not be safe for them to be there for their own life and safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Just days prior, on March 9th, Trump had made a public statement on “Truth Social” regarding the Iranian women’s football team, urging the Australian government to grant asylum to these players. He emphasized, “If you don’t take them, the United States will take them.” Trump further expressed concerns about the potential risks these players faced if forcibly returned to Iran, urging the Australian Prime Minister to provide protection.
The Iranian women’s football team had come under scrutiny from the current Iranian regime after refusing to sing the national anthem during their first match, leading to accusations of being traitors. Fearing persecution upon their return home, the players decided to seek political asylum, leaving the team and seeking refuge in a hotel in Australia.
The Australian Minister for Home Affairs subsequently confirmed that the government had provided humanitarian assistance to these players, in a move to offer support and protection to those in need.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11th to July 19th, marking the first time in history that the tournament is jointly hosted by three countries (United States, Canada, and Mexico). This edition will feature 48 teams, with plans for 104 matches across 16 cities.
Despite securing qualification through strong performances in the Asian qualifiers, uncertainties loom over Iran’s men’s national team’s participation due to the ongoing conflict in the region. Several media outlets have reported statements from the Iranian Sports Minister this week, stating, “Given the act of terror committed by the corrupt regime (United States) in assassinating our leader (Ayatollah Khamenei), it is impossible for us to participate in the World Cup under any circumstances.”
Should the Iranian men’s team compete in the upcoming tournament, they are set to face Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand in matches scheduled for June.