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Trump says Iran should avoid World Cup 'for their own life and safety'
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- Trump says Iran should avoid World Cup 'for their own life and safety'
U.S. President Donald Trump has encouraged Iran to skip the 2026 World Cup, saying that team members and staff may have their "life and safety" at risk if they travel to the United States.
Iran's status for the World Cup has been in major doubt since the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran starting on Feb. 28.
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The military campaign killed Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dozens of top officials. Iran has responded with attacks on several U.S. military facilities and other targets around the Middle East.
On Wednesday, March 11, Iran's sports minister Ahmad Donyamali declared that the team would not participate in the tournament – though it hasn't officially withdrawn yet.
Donyamali's comments came after FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Trump told him that Iran would be "welcome" at the World Cup despite the ongoing conflict.
But in a mixed message delivered via Truth Social on Thursday, March 12, Trump reiterated Infantino's words before suggesting that Iran would be risking life and limb if it participates in the World Cup.
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"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 said.
Trump said in an interview with Politico last week that he didn't care if Iran played at the World Cup.
Over the past week, Trump has advocated for the safety of Iran's women's national team , which had several players granted asylum in Australia after participating in the Asian Cup.
Trump encouraged Australia to accept the players' asylum claims amid fears of repercussions in Iran, following the team's decision to not sing the country's national anthem prior to the tournament opener.
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The World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico between June 11 and July 19.
Iran is currently scheduled to play New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump encourages Iran to skip 2026 World Cup over 'life and safety'
