Donald Trump has given Iran the go-ahead to take part in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup after the president of soccer’s governing body, Gianni Infantino, confirmed the country will play Group G matches in the United States.
Iran, currently embroiled in geopolitical tensions with the United States and Israel over fears of nuclear weapons development, secured qualification for the tournament from June 11 to July 19 last year. Their place was confirmed after a 2–2 draw against Uzbekistan in the third round of the AFC qualifiers. However, their participation was not without complications, as Tehran requested alternative seats for matches scheduled on American soil.
But Trump said he was “fine” with the inclusion of Iran in the tournament and submitted to Infantino’s position on the matter. “Well, if Gianni said it, I’m fine. Did Gianni say it? … You know what? Let them play. Well, Gianni is fantastic, he’s my friend. He talked about it,” Trump said Thursday, according to Reuters.
The statement follows Infantino’s firm statement that Iran will indeed play Group G matches in the United States as originally planned. His comments came during FIFA’s congress, which notably opened without an Iranian delegation, an absence that highlighted the political tensions and logistical problems surrounding the tournament.
“Soccer brings the world together… Fifa brings the world together.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino reveals that Iran will play in this summer’s World Cup, with matches being held in the US, as the governing body’s congress opened on Thursday without an Iranian delegation. pic.twitter.com/si8fMhSNkf— The National (@TheNationalNews) April 30, 2026
“Let me start from the beginning. Of course Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. And of course Iran will play in the United States of America,” Infantino said. “And the reason is very simple: we must unite. It is my responsibility, our responsibility.”
Representatives of the Iran Football Federation, including president Mehdi Taj, were to attend the congress. But they reportedly had to turn back at Toronto airport after what Tehran described as “unacceptable behaviour” by Canadian immigration authorities despite traveling on valid visas. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, further highlighted the practical and political obstacles to Iran’s participation in what has become one of the most sensitive topics on FIFA’s agenda, particularly amid ongoing tensions between the US and Israel since February.
Iran are scheduled to open their campaign on June 16 against New Zealand at the SoFi Stadium in California. They will then take on Belgium at the same venue on June 22 and finish their group stage matches against Egypt on June 27 in Seattle.
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Published on:
May 1, 2026 11:22 AM IST
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