MIAMI – FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced Wednesday that he received assurances from U.S. President Donald Trump that Iran’s national team will be permitted to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite ongoing international tensions.
The confirmation comes after Iranian officials recently expressed concerns about their participation in the tournament due to the current geopolitical climate. Trump had previously stated, “I really don’t care” if Iran participates in the 48-nation competition, according to the Associated Press.
Infantino stated he met with Trump Tuesday night to discuss preparations for the tournament and received a commitment that the Iranian team would be welcome in the United States. “We likewise spoke about the current situation in Iran, and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026,” Infantino said in an Instagram post. “During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.”
Iran is scheduled to play group-stage matches against Recent Zealand on June 15 in Inglewood, California, against Belgium on June 21, and against Egypt on June 26 in Seattle. KOAT reports that the U.S. Is co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
The news provides some clarity as the tournament approaches, with the United States, Canada, and Mexico preparing to welcome teams and fans from around the globe. The World Cup is a premier international event, and Iran’s participation adds to the diverse field of competition.
Despite the assurances, fans from Iran are already banned from entering the U.S., the AP noted.
Infantino has a close relationship with Trump, who was given FIFA’s inaugural peace prize – an award that many believe the soccer governing body created specifically for the former president. The New York Times reported that Trump’s initial response to the question of Iran’s participation was, “I believe Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes.”
