President Donald Trump has warned members of Iran’s national football team against coming to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid the ongoing military standoff between Tehran and Washington. 

Mr Trump said this in a Truth Social post on Thursday. He stated that although the Iranians are still welcome to attend the World Cup starting in June, it would be appropriate for the team to boycott the tournament for their lives and safety. 

“The Iranian 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,” the American leader posted. 

Mr Trump’s statement came a day after Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, disclosed during an interview on state television that the Middle Eastern country cannot participate in the World Cup under any circumstances. 

Mr Donyamali said the team will not participate in the tournament, despite recent assurances by Mr Trump that the team would be welcome in the United States.

“Considering that this corrupt ⁠regime (the U.S.) has ⁠assassinated our leader, under no circumstances ⁠can we ⁠participate in ⁠the World Cup. Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist,” Mr Donyamali said on Wednesday. 

Citing the ongoing conflict within the United States and Israel and thousands of Iranians whom Mr Donyamali said have been killed, the minister reiterated that Iran couldn’t play at the tournament. 

“Given the malicious actions ⁠they have carried out against Iran, ⁠they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people. Therefore, we ⁠certainly cannot have such a presence,” he added.