Trending Now - Trump Acknowledges Iran's Exclusion From World Cup Participation

WHO:

Ahmad Donyamali, Iran's sports minister, stated, "Our players do not have security."

Mehdi Taj, president of Iran's soccer federation, said, "What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope."

Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran's ambassador to the United Nations, reported that at least 1,300 Iranian civilians have been killed due to the conflict.

Ahmad Donyamali, Iran's sports minister, stated, "The players have no safety, and the conditions for participation simply don't exist."

Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran's ambassador to the United Nations, reported that at least 1,300 Iranian civilians have been killed due to the conflict.

Ahmad Donyamali, Iran's sports minister, stated that Iran cannot participate in the World Cup.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, was killed in airstrikes on February 28th, 2026.

President Trump, FIFA representatives, Gianni Infantino (FIFA president), Andrew Giuliani (White House FIFA task force executive director)

Iran national soccer team

WHAT:

Donyamali claimed, "Given that this corrupt government has assassinated our leader, we cannot participate in the World Cup."

The military campaign waged by the U.S. and Israel began in late February 2026, resulting in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The Iranian sports minister indicated that Iran's national soccer team would not participate in the World Cup.

Donyamali claimed, "Given that this corrupt government has assassinated our leader and created extreme insecurity, we cannot participate in the World Cup."

Donyamali mentioned that the military campaign has led to the deaths of more than 1,000 Iranians in the previous year's conflict.

Donyamali said, "Given that this corrupt government assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that Trump reiterated Iran's welcome to compete in the tournament.

President Trump confirmed that Iran is welcome to play in the World Cup tournament in the United States.

Iran was the first country to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Iran has two matches scheduled in Los Angeles against New Zealand on June 15th, 2026, and Belgium on June 21st, 2026, and one match against Egypt on June 26th, 2026, in Seattle.

Infantino stated, "We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever."

WHERE:

Oval Office, United States

Los Angeles, California, United States

Seattle, Washington, United States

WHEN:

The conflict in Iran has been ongoing for 12 days as of March 11th, 2026.

The World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11th to July 19th, 2026.

The conflict in Iran has been ongoing for 12 days as of March 11th, 2026.

The World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11th, 2026.

Meeting between Trump and Infantino occurred on March 10th, 2026.

The World Cup is set to kick off in 93 days from March 10th, 2026, which is June 12th, 2026.

Air strikes on Iran occurred on February 28th, 2026.

WHY:

Donyamali cited the assassination of Khamenei and the ongoing military campaign as reasons for Iran's inability to participate in the World Cup.

Donyamali stated, "In just eight or nine months, they have dragged us into two wars, killed thousands of our people, and committed grave atrocities."

Donyamali cited the assassination of Khamenei and the ongoing military campaign as reasons for Iran's inability to participate in the World Cup.

The ongoing conflict and the assassination of Khamenei have led to uncertainty regarding Iran's participation in the World Cup.

The discussions included the current situation in Iran and the importance of the World Cup as a unifying event amid ongoing conflict.

HOW:

The military campaign waged by the U.S. and Israel began with airstrikes on February 28th, 2026.

Donyamali's statements were broadcast on Iranian state television.

Infantino reported on social media that he met with Trump to discuss Iran's participation in the World Cup.

Trump communicated his position during a meeting with FIFA representatives in the Oval Office.

(UPDATED March 12, 2026 05:21 UTC)

In a significant development, Iran's sports minister Ahmad Donyamali announced that the national soccer team will not participate in the upcoming World Cup due to the ongoing conflict and the assassination of their leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Donyamali expressed deep concern over the security of players and highlighted the tragic loss of at least 1,300 Iranian civilians since the military campaign led by the U.S. and Israel began on February 28. As the conflict continues, Donyamali emphasized that the Iranian people cannot look forward to the World Cup with hope, given the devastating circumstances they are facing.

(UPDATED March 12, 2026 01:25 UTC)

Iran's sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, announced that the country will not participate in the upcoming World Cup, citing extreme insecurity and the assassination of their leader as key reasons for this decision. He reported that the ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of at least 1,300 Iranian civilians, with more than 1,000 casualties occurring in the previous year's military campaign. Donyamali's statements were made during a broadcast on Iranian state television, emphasizing the dire conditions faced by the players.

(UPDATED March 11, 2026 23:04 UTC)

Iran's sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, announced that the country will not participate in the World Cup, citing the recent assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in airstrikes on February 28th. Donyamali stated, "Given that this corrupt government assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup," while FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that Trump reiterated Iran's welcome to compete in the tournament. The ongoing conflict in Iran has lasted for 12 days as of today, and with the World Cup set to begin on June 11th, uncertainty looms over the nation's involvement.

(UPDATED March 11, 2026 13:26 UTC)

In a significant development, President Trump confirmed that Iran is welcome to participate in the upcoming World Cup tournament in the United States during a meeting with FIFA representatives in the Oval Office on March 10. Iran, which was the first country to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, has scheduled matches in Los Angeles against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, as well as a match against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the importance of the World Cup as a unifying event, especially in light of the ongoing conflict and recent air strikes on Iran.