Trump: Iran should NOT play in the World Cup for security reasons, according to the former president

Trump Offers “Welcome” to the Iranian Soccer Team at the World Cup, But with a Warning

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his position on the participation of the Iranian national soccer team in the FIFA World Cup, which will be held on U.S. soil. Through his social media platform, Trump extended a “welcome” to the Iranian team, but accompanied this invitation with a warning about their safety.

The Iranian national football team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don’t think it’s appropriate for them to be there, for their own life and safety.

Donald J. Trump

Iran, ranked among the 48 participating teams, is scheduled to play in Inglewood, California, against New Zealand on June 15 and against Belgium on June 21, before closing the group stage in Seattle against Egypt on June 26.

These statements contrast with what was previously expressed by Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, to whom he assured that Iranian players and coaches would be welcome.

The tournament, which will be held jointly with Canada and Mexico, will be played from June 11 to July 19.

The White House has not clarified Trump’s statements about “his own life and safety”. The Iranian sports minister declared that Iran would not be able to participate in the 2026 World Cup.