President Donald Trump has reportedly provided assurances to the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) that the United States will officially welcome the Iranian national football team to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This significant development comes directly from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, following a meeting with President Trump.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is poised to be a landmark event, uniquely co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The prestigious tournament is scheduled to captivate football fans worldwide from June 11 to July 19.
Should Iran successfully qualify for the tournament, its potential schedule within the United States could include three group stage matches. The team might be set to face New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, followed by an encounter against Belgium on June 21 at the same venue. Their final group stage match could then take place against Egypt in Seattle five days later.
This confirmation of Iran’s welcome is particularly notable in light of recent geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran. Following a reported US-Israel attack on Iran on February 28, and subsequent retaliatory actions by Iran against US military bases in the region, the prospects of Iran participating in the World Cup had become uncertain. This conflict garnered significant international attention, raising concerns among other Middle Eastern countries. Earlier in March, President Trump had reportedly expressed indifference regarding Iran’s potential involvement. However, FIFA President Infantino’s recent statement indicates a definitive shift in this earlier stance.
In an Instagram post detailing his interaction with President Trump, Infantino conveyed, “This evening I met Donald Trump to discuss the status of the World Cup with more than 90 days left. We also talked about the current situation in Iran.” During their discussion, Infantino reported that President Trump unequivocally provided assurance, stating that the United States “will welcome the Iranian team to compete in the United States.”
The FIFA President further emphasized the global importance of the FIFA World Cup, highlighting its unparalleled ability to unite people worldwide through the shared passion of football. He extended his gratitude to the US President for his participation and for acknowledging football as a profound global unifying event, underscoring the sport’s capacity to transcend political differences.
