The future of Iran’s men’s national football team at the upcoming World Cup is now uncertain after a sharp warning from U.S. President Donald Trump. The tournament is set to begin on June 11 in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but growing tensions between the United States and Iran have raised serious doubts about whether the Iranian team will take part. Iran had already secured its place in the competition after finishing top of its Asian qualifying group. The team was drawn in Group G with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. Their opening match was scheduled against New Zealand in the United States on June 15.
However, the political situation around the team has suddenly become complicated. In a message posted on Truth Social, Donald Trump said the Iranian team is technically welcome at the tournament but warned that attending may not be safe for them.
“The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump wrote on the platform. His statement has added another layer of uncertainty to an already tense situation surrounding the team and the tournament.
Donald Trump and Ahmad Donyamali comments raise doubts about Iran national football team playing the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The situation became even more complicated after comments from Iran’s Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who suggested that the team may not travel to the tournament at all.
Speaking on Iranian state television, Donyamali said the country currently does not have the right conditions to compete in the World Cup because of the ongoing conflict.
“Given that this corrupt government has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances do we have the appropriate conditions to participate in the World Cup. Our boys are not safe, and conditions for participation do not exist,” he said.
He also added that Iran has faced major losses in recent months due to the conflict and that thousands of people have been killed during the tensions.
“Over the past eight or nine months, two wars have been imposed on us and several thousand of our people have been killed and martyred. Therefore, we definitely do not have the possibility for participation,” Donyamali said.
The World Cup, which will run from June 11 to July 19 across North America, is expected to be the largest tournament in football history with 48 teams competing.
Iran had already been scheduled to play Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in the group stage. If the team officially withdraws, tournament organizers and FIFA will have to decide which country could replace them in the competition. For now, no final decision has been confirmed by FIFA, and the situation around Iran’s participation remains unclear as the tournament draws closer.
Celebrating India's sporting legends at the Times of India Sports Awards - Book Passes Now!.Sehjal Gupta is a sports journalist covering US and international...
Read MoreSehjal Gupta is a sports journalist covering US and international sports, with a specialization in the NFL. She has been writing about sports since 2025, reporting on leagues, tournaments, and athletes who shape the game. A Master’s in Management adds depth to her analysis, while her love for Hollywood movies and pop culture sparks her storytelling voice, a flair that also shapes her entertainment writing, giving it the same energy and creativity she brings to sports.
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