Trump Warns Iran on World Cup, Despite FIFA's Welcome

0:00On March 12, President Donald Trump stated that Iran's national soccer team can participate in the 2026 World Cup, but he advised, against it due to serious safety risks from escalating tensions between the United States, Iran, and Israel. This comes just days after FIFA's president confirmed, Iran would be welcome at the tournament. Iran secured its spot by qualifying through Asia back in March 2025 and landed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. All three of Iran's group stage matches are set on United States soil, including games on June 15 and June 21 in Inglewood, California, and June 26 in Seattle. The expanded tournament runs from June 11 to July 19 across the US, Canada, and Mexico. A recent White House policy blocks most Iranian nationals from entering the country, but carves out exceptions for athletes, coaches, and staff at expath. Major events like the World Cup. Still, officials worry about potential unrest in backlash in US cities with large Iranian

1:04communities. Right now, the exemption holds, leaving Iran's participation in limbo amid these mixed signals as FIFA braces for any last minute changes to its. Record-breaking event.