U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred fresh controversy by warning that Iran’s national football team could face safety risks if they participate in the upcoming World Cup in North America.

Trump made the statement on his Truth Social platform just days after telling FIFA president Gianni Infantino that the Iranian team would be welcomed at the tournament.

“The Iran 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,” Trump said.

The comments come amid escalating tensions following the war triggered by U.S.–Israeli strikes on February 28.

The conflict has raised uncertainty over Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Infantino revealed earlier this week that the issue was discussed during a meeting with Trump at the White House.

“President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” Infantino said.

The FIFA chief, who recently created a FIFA Peace Prize and awarded the inaugural honour to Trump, has only recently begun addressing the geopolitical tensions surrounding the tournament.

Trump also weighed in on the case of Iran’s women footballers currently in Australia, urging authorities to grant them asylum after they refused to sing their national anthem before an Asian Cup match.

Australia later approved asylum for five players who chose not to return to Iran. AFP.