Trump Says Iran ‘Welcome’ to Compete at 2026 World Cup, FIFA President Infantino Confirms

• United States President Donald Trump has assured FIFA that Iran are welcome to compete at the 2026 World Cup.
• Iran’s participation had been questioned following recent military strikes involving the United States and Israel.
• FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Trump reaffirmed his support during a meeting about tournament preparations.

Donald Trump has assured FIFA that Iran national football team will be welcome to compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, according to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Iran’s participation in the tournament had been questioned after the United States and Israel launched air strikes on Iran on February 28. The conflict has since escalated, with Iran responding by targeting United States military bases across the Middle East.

Earlier this month Trump said he “really didn’t care” whether Iran played at the World Cup. However, Infantino said the U.S. president expressed clear support for the team’s involvement during a recent meeting.

Infantino said the two discussed preparations for the upcoming tournament, which will be hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico.

“This evening, I met with the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump to discuss the status of preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the growing excitement as we are set to kick off in just 93 days,” Infantino wrote on Instagram.

“We also spoke about the current situation in Iran, and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026. During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.”

Infantino added that the global tournament could play an important role in bringing people together during a period of international tension.

“We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever,” he said. “Football unites the world.”

Iran are scheduled to play all three of their group stage matches in the United States during the tournament. If both teams finish second in their respective groups, Iran could also face the host nation in the round of 32.

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Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.