Donald Trump has said it would not be 'appropriate' for Iran to play in this summer's World Cup following US and Israeli strikes on the country. Iran's sports minister Ahmad Donyamali had previously suggested the team might not participate, saying 'the conditions for participation do not exist'. Trump posted on Truth Social that Iran is welcome but he does not believe it is appropriate for their safety.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino had earlier claimed assurances from Trump that Iran would be welcome, but Fifa has not commented on recent developments. The tournament is set to be held across the US, Mexico and Canada, with Iran's group games scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle. Iran were the only nation absent from a recent World Cup planning event in Atlanta.
Iran are due to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, followed by Egypt in Seattle on June 26. However, uncertainty remains over their participation following the strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. No World Cup has ever been boycotted on political grounds; the last boycott was 60 years ago by African teams over qualifying berths.
There is precedent for tension: Iran boycotted November's World Cup draw in Washington DC after visa issues for their football president. Fifa rules state that if a member withdraws or is excluded, Fifa may replace them with another association. The United Arab Emirates, who lost out on automatic qualification, would be the closest replacement, though Iraq could be an option if they do not progress through their play-off. However, regional instability complicates any replacement.
