"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. Trump posted this statement on Truth Social, acknowledging Iran's eligibility while expressing concerns about player safety amid ongoing regional military tensions and the assassination of Iran's supreme leader."
"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. Iran's Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali made these statements to IRIB Sports Network, citing security concerns and the political situation as reasons for potential withdrawal."
Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, remains uncertain following escalating military tensions. After US and Israeli strikes killed Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran retaliated with missiles and drones toward Israel and four Gulf Arab nations hosting US military bases. Iran's Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali stated the country lacks appropriate conditions for participation, citing safety concerns for players. President Trump acknowledged Iran's welcome status but expressed that participation is inappropriate for their safety. FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously indicated Trump told him Iran could compete. If Iran withdraws, FIFA regulations allow discretionary selection of a replacement team, though no clear alternative has been identified.
#2026-world-cup #iran-national-football-team #us-iran-tensions #fifa-regulations #sports-and-geopolitics
Read at www.bbc.com
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