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Trump Welcomes Iran to World Cup Amid Tensions

3/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran's national football team is welcome to participate in the 2026 World Cup, but raised safety concerns amid U.S.-Iran tensions.
Iran's sports minister warned that participation would be impossible after the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during U.S.-Israeli airstrikes.
The Iranian Football Federation said no host country should question a qualified team's participation.
FIFA has not commented, and Iran's withdrawal could require a replacement team.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran's national football team is welcome to participate in the 2026 World Cup, but raised safety concerns amid U.S.-Iran tensions.
Iran's sports minister warned that participation would be impossible after the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during U.S.-Israeli airstrikes.
The Iranian Football Federation said no host country should question a qualified team's participation.
FIFA has not commented, and Iran's withdrawal could require a replacement team.