United States President Donald Trump has reportedly assured world football’s governing body that Iran will be allowed to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite rising geopolitical tensions.
The assurance was disclosed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who said he discussed the issue with Trump amid concerns about whether the Iranian national team would be permitted to enter the United States for the tournament.
Infantino said the US leader reaffirmed that Iran would be welcomed to compete in the competition scheduled to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“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,” Infantino said. “During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.”
Questions over Iran’s participation have intensified following escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, raising fears that political developments could affect the country’s involvement in the global tournament.
Iran secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup after finishing top of its qualifying group and has been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.
The 2026 tournament, set to begin in June, will be the first World Cup hosted by three countries and is expected to attract millions of fans worldwide.
