A little more than a year before the biggest soccer tournament kicks off, the political environment is already creeping into the conversation. From his social network Truth Social, U.S. President Donald Trump sent a direct message to players, referees and fans who will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The president promised that all participants in the tournament will be received with hospitality during their stay in the United States. The comment comes at a delicate time for international politics, particularly because of the tension surrounding the Iranian national team, which has qualified for the tournament but is embroiled in the context of recent geopolitical conflicts.
What did Donald Trump say about the 2026 World Cup and the players?
Through his account on Truth Social, Donald Trump said that the United States is ready to welcome delegations from all over the world during the 2026 World Cup.
The president stressed that both footballers and referees, as well as fans, will be treated with respect and special attention during their stay in the country. In the same message, the president stressed that his country is seeking to offer one of the safest editions of the tournament in history.
Why is Trump’s message coming in the midst of the controversy over Iran?
The US president’s position comes in the context of an international debate over Iran’s presence at the 2026 World Cup.
The Asian country secured its qualification in the AFC qualifiers, thanks to a brace from striker Mehdi Taremi in the decisive match that gave them a ticket to the tournament.
However, the diplomatic tension generated by conflicts involving the United States, Israel and Iran has raised questions about the participation of the Iranian team on US soil.
Trump himself had previously suggested that the Asian team might reconsider its presence “for its own safety”, which sparked reactions in the football world and on social media.
In which group will Iran play in the 2026 World Cup?
During the tournament draw conducted by FIFA, the Iran national team was placed in Group G, along with three other teams that will also be looking to advance to the next round.
- Belgium
- Egypt
- New Zealand
- Iran
All matches in this group are scheduled to be played at venues within the United States, which has raised greater attention on how the logistics of the tournament will play out amid international tensions.
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