Donald Trump releases urgent statement on Iran's 2026 World Cup fate
Donald Trump has doubled down on claims that Iran shouldn't play at the World Cup amid US and Israeli strikes on the nation.
The World Cup is just a few months away as the United States, Canada and Mexico will host this summer's tournament.
Iran are among the teams that have qualified for the World Cup, but their participation has been clouded by uncertainty following the conflict in the Middle East.
The country's sports minister Ahmad Donyamali intensified claims that they won't be involved by telling state television that 'considering that his corrupt regime has assassination our leader' - Ayatollah Ali Khamenei - 'under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup'.
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Trump pulled no punches when he was asked if Iran should play at the World Cup, claiming he 'doesn't really care'.
He added: "I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They're running on fumes."
Well, Trump has now issued a fresh take on Iran's participation at the World Cup by insisting they are 'welcome' but believes they should stay at home 'for their own life and safety'.
On Truth Social, he wrote: "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! President DONALD J. TRUMP."
In a social media post on Wednesday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said that during discussions last night, 'President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States'.
He added: "We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that Football Unites the World."
Iran's participation has been in doubt after US and Israeli forces struck Iran, who retaliated with attacks on American assets and allies across the Middle East.
What happens if Iran pull out of the World Cup?
If Iran were unable or unwilling to participate at the World Cup, then FIFA could either call in a last-minute replacement team or adjust the tournament accordingly.
Iraq and UAE would be the teams in the frame to replace Iran.
Iraq will book their spot at the World Cup if they win an intercontinental play-off against either Bolivia or Suriname, so if they qualify that would mean the UAE would take Iran's spot as the highest-ranked Asian side.
However, if Iraq lose the play-off, then they could be given a second chance should Iran withdraw.
According to The Athletic, FIFA could also cancel Iran's games and tweak the rules to treat Group G as a three-team group.
Topics: Donald Trump, FIFA World Cup, Football
Nasir Jabbar