FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Donald Trump has assured him that Iran’s national football team will be permitted to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Infantino said the assurance was given during discussions with Trump on preparations for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
According to the FIFA chief, the U.S. president “reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.”
Infantino also stressed the unifying role of the competition, saying, “We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever,” while thanking Trump for his support and emphasizing that “Football Unites the World.”
Iran national football team has already secured qualification for the 2026 tournament, although its participation had previously been questioned amid rising regional tensions.
