Trump says Iran welcome at World Cup despite ongoing war

U.S. President Donald Trump has said that Iran will be welcome to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the ongoing war in the Middle East involving Iran.

The assurance was revealed by Gianni Infantino, who said Trump confirmed during discussions that the Iranian national team would be allowed to compete in the tournament scheduled to be hosted across United States, Canada, and Mexico.

FIFA President Confirms Trump’s Assurance
Infantino disclosed that the issue came up during a meeting focused on preparations for the upcoming global football event.

According to the FIFA chief, the discussion also addressed the political situation surrounding Iran and whether the conflict could affect the country’s participation in the tournament.

Infantino said Trump reassured him that Iran’s national team would be allowed to travel to the United States and compete in the competition.

“During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” Infantino said.

The FIFA president added that global sporting events such as the World Cup play a crucial role in bringing people together during difficult times.

Iran’s Participation Had Been in Doubt
The confirmation comes after concerns were raised about Iran’s potential participation following the escalating conflict involving the United States and Israel.

The tensions had already sparked speculation after Iran was notably absent from a recent FIFA planning summit held in Atlanta, raising questions about whether the team would be allowed to enter the United States for the tournament.

Officials from Iran’s football federation had earlier expressed uncertainty about the country’s involvement, citing security concerns and the political situation.

Iran Already Qualified for the Tournament
Despite the tensions, Iran has already secured its place in the 2026 tournament after finishing top of its group in the Asian qualifiers.

The country is set to make its fourth consecutive World Cup appearance, and has been drawn into Group G alongside:

Belgium

Egypt

New Zealand

Iran’s group-stage matches are expected to take place in the United States, including two matches in Los Angeles and another in Seattle.

Possible U.S.–Iran Clash
There is also the possibility of a politically sensitive encounter during the tournament.
If both the United States and Iran finish second in their respective groups, the two nations could face each other in a knockout match scheduled for July 3 in Dallas.

FIFA Says Tournament Will Continue Despite Conflict
FIFA officials have stressed that the World Cup will proceed as planned despite the geopolitical tensions.
The 2026 tournament, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, will be the first World Cup expanded to 48 teams, making it the largest edition in the competition’s history.

FIFA officials say the event is “too big” to postpone and remain hopeful that all qualified teams, including Iran, will participate.

World Cup as a Symbol of Unity
Infantino emphasized that global sporting events such as the World Cup can serve as a platform for unity even during times of conflict.

“We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever,” he said, while thanking Trump for supporting Iran’s participation in the tournament.

The development highlights the complex intersection between global politics and international sport, as football’s governing body seeks to ensure that geopolitical tensions do not disrupt the world’s biggest sporting event.