Trump Warns Iran Against Attending World Cup Over Safety Concerns

United States President Donald Trump has cautioned Iran’s national football team that attending the upcoming World Cup in North America could pose risks to their safety.

The warning came just two days after Trump told FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Iranian players would be welcome despite ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump stated: “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to participate in the World Cup, but I truly don’t believe it is appropriate for them to be there, considering their own lives and safety.”
The conflict, which began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on February 28, has cast uncertainty over Iran’s participation in this summer’s men’s football World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Infantino, who heads the organization governing world football, said earlier this week that he discussed the “current situation in Iran” during a White House meeting with Trump. He noted that the president confirmed the Iranian team would be welcome to participate in the tournament.
In December, Infantino awarded Trump the FIFA Peace Prize, marking the first time the football chief publicly acknowledged that the Middle East conflict remains ongoing.
Trump also addressed concerns involving Iranian women footballers who recently traveled to Australia. He suggested they should be granted asylum after fearing repercussions in Iran for not singing the national anthem before an Asian Cup match.