Trump Says Iran “Welcome” at 2026 World Cup Despite Ongoing Conflict
Donald Trump has stated that Iran’s national team is welcome to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States despite ongoing conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel. FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed the statement after meeting Trump, emphasizing that football should unite nations during difficult times.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has said that Iran’s national football team is welcome to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, even as tensions remain high due to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
According to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, the topic was discussed during a meeting with Trump on Tuesday about preparations for the upcoming tournament. Infantino shared details of the conversation in an Instagram post, noting that they also spoke about the current situation in Iran.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled to begin on 11 June. Despite the geopolitical tensions, Infantino said Trump confirmed that Iran’s team would be allowed to compete in the United States.
Infantino emphasized the unifying power of football, stating that global events like the World Cup are especially important during difficult times. He also thanked Trump for supporting the tournament and reinforcing the idea that football brings people together.
Iran’s participation in the tournament had been uncertain after recent military developments. The United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran earlier this month, reportedly killing the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran launched missiles and drones toward Israel and several Gulf Arab nations that host U.S. military bases, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Despite the tensions, Iran is currently scheduled to play three group-stage matches in the United States. The team is set to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June, followed by a match against Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
Last week, Trump also told Politico that he did not particularly mind whether Iran participates in the tournament.
Meanwhile, the situation has affected the outlook of Iranian football officials. Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation, reportedly said that the recent attacks have made it difficult to feel hopeful about the upcoming World Cup.
The broader crisis has also impacted Iran’s women’s national team. Australia recently granted humanitarian visas to six players from the squad due to concerns about their safety. Seven individuals were initially granted asylum, though one later chose to return to Iran.
The rest of the Iranian players left Australia on Tuesday after their elimination from the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the humanitarian visa decisions.
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