Iran’s World Cup Place Turns Political as Safety Fears Collide With FIFA’s ‘Football Unites’ Message

Donald Trump has publicly urged Iran’s national team to skip the 2026 World Cup in North America, framing it as a matter of player safety amid spiraling U.S.–Iran tensions. Iran’s sports minister says participation is “not possible” after the reported killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, while FIFA insists it still expects Iran to compete.