Trump Says Iran Shouldn’t Play in World Cup for Team’s ‘Safety’

Players clash during a match between the United States of America and Iran at the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Photographer: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty Images

US President Donald Trump said it would not be “appropriate” for Iran to participate in this summer’s World Cup being staged in North America, though he left the door open for its team to play.

“The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety,” Trump postedBloomberg Terminal Thursday on social media.