Trump says it is not appropriate for Iran to be in soccer World Cup - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMitgFBVV95cUxOUkpub0FOaXFzM19DaktUOXliS3ZQenBZWVZXWFc3aTM2Q1VfU0VHNUg3MTlVMWZ5cjFHalBZMXM1ZVRVeUZrVnFWT2FMc2VtdUozRFVxVVZyeUJ1SURjYWZoLVZzYkdFZXZiUExlcFpZdmlMX3dvQlhCWlVieUc5eFFhTVFaMGJLUmdaUWY3NUN1U01XTF9QeEs5ZUFMSEVaNGl6dVllQnAzUzM1djJyUlI3OWQyQQ?oc=5" target="_blank">Trump says it is not appropriate for Iran to be in soccer World Cup</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

President Trump expressed concerns about the Iranian national soccer team's participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, citing safety risks amid ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict. He questioned the appropriateness of their attendance given potential threats, marking a shift from his earlier assurance to FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Iranian players would be allowed to compete.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that he received assurances from U.S. President Donald Trump that the Iranian team would be welcomed to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite ongoing hostilities between the two countries. This came after Iranian officials questioned their participation due to recent tensions.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup nears, Iran's participation is uncertain due to a recently ignited war involving the U.S. and Israel, which resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader and over 1,000 civilians. This unprecedented conflict so close to the tournament raises both logistical and ethical concerns, with FIFA yet to take a definitive stance.

President Trump told FIFA representatives that Iran is welcome to play in the World Cup tournament in the United States. This came amid ongoing hostilities between the U.S. and Iran, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressing gratitude for Trump's support, emphasizing the unifying role of the World Cup.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is welcome to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This marks the first time Infantino has acknowledged the war in the Middle East in relation to the tournament.