Overview
- President Donald Trump warned on social media that it may not be appropriate for Iran to attend the World Cup for the team’s own life and safety.
- Iran’s national team and federation declared that no one can exclude them and argued a host unable to guarantee security should be disqualified.
- Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said on state TV that under no circumstances can Iran participate following recent U.S.-Israeli strikes.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously said Trump told him Iran would be welcome, but the federation missed key preparatory meetings in Atlanta.
- Iran remains listed to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle in June, as FIFA weighs options under its regulations if a withdrawal occurs.