"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, the US president said on his Truth Social platform."
"We also spoke about the current situation in Iran, and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the Fifa World Cup 2026. During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States."
"On Wednesday, Iranian sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup. Donyamali was the first government representative to speak on the World Cup since the US began bombing Iran with backing from Israel earlier this month."
Trump initially told FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Iran would be welcome to compete in the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. However, two days later, Trump reversed course on his Truth Social platform, stating Iran should not participate, citing concerns for their safety. This contradiction came after Iran's sports minister Ahmad Donyamali declared the country would not participate under any circumstances, marking the first official government statement since recent US military actions in the region. Iran qualified for the tournament and was drawn in Group G with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, with matches scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle. FIFA and Iran have not yet provided official updates on participation status.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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