Iran Says Won’t Participate in 2026 World Cup Amid U.S. Security Concerns

Images from December showed Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino together, highlighting a moment tied to the discussion over Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Trump used his Truth Social account to say that Iran’s national team competing in the 2026 tournament would be unsafe and not appropriate for their life and safety, even though their participation would be welcome in principle. His post pointed to U.S. security concerns surrounding Iran.

At the time, Iran had been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt, with matches scheduled in Los Angeles against Belgium and New Zealand, and in Seattle against Egypt.

Iran has since signaled it would not participate, voicing strong objections to the U.S. military operation against Iran. The stance adds a potential complication to the World Cup plans in the United States and its partners.

Infantino, in a separate post on Instagram, said he had discussed World Cup preparations with Trump and that the former president reaffirmed that Iran’s participation would be welcome at the U.S.-hosted tournament.

The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, marking the first time three nations share hosting duties. Venues in the United States include major cities such as Los Angeles and Seattle, among others across the country.

For U.S. readers, this dispute touches on global sports governance, diplomatic signaling, and the economic footprint of a major international event. A potential Iran withdrawal would affect travel, sponsorship, broadcasting, and tourism, while the hosting nation faces heightened security coordination and public diplomacy challenges in a high-profile event.