Trump says Iran ‘welcome’ at World Cup despite ongoing conflict
Donald Trump has said Iran national football team will be allowed to compete in this summer’s FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States despite the ongoing conflict involving the country.
The statement was revealed by Gianni Infantino after he met the US president on Tuesday to discuss preparations for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico beginning on 11 June.
Infantino shared details of the meeting on Instagram, noting that the situation in Iran was part of their discussions.
Trump signals participation approval
According to Infantino, Trump made it clear that Iran would still be permitted to take part in the tournament.
“During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” Infantino wrote.
“We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever.”
The confirmation comes amid heightened tensions after military strikes by the United States and Israel in Iran earlier this month, which reportedly killed Ali Khamenei.
Iran subsequently responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and several Gulf countries hosting US military bases, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Iran fixtures scheduled in United States
Despite the political tensions, Iran are currently scheduled to play all three of their group-stage matches in the United States.
They will face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June respectively, before meeting Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
However, uncertainty remains around Iran’s participation. Mehdi Taj, the President of the Football Federation of Iran recently admitted that the situation has cast doubt over the team’s outlook.
“What is certain is that after these attacks, it’s hard to look at the World Cup with hope,” Taj was quoted as saying.
Concerns extend beyond men’s team
Security concerns have also affected Iranian women’s football.
Australia recently granted humanitarian visas to six members of Iran’s women’s national team who sought protection while competing in the AFC Asian Cup.
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that seven asylum requests were initially approved, although one player later decided to return to Iran.