Rabat – US President Donald Trump confirmed on Thursday that he has no objection to Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, indicating that the Iranian national team is welcome to compete on US soil this summer.
Speaking from the Oval Office, the President was asked about earlier statements made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding Iran’s participation.
In a notable shift from his previous rhetoric, Trump adopted a softer tone regarding the tournament, which the US is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico.
“I don’t mind the Iranian team participating in the World Cup, and I’m not worried about that,” Trump stated. He added, “If Gianni Infantino said so, I’m okay… Let them play
Trump’s’s latest comments follow a period of diplomatic uncertainty. Last month, he suggested it might be “inappropriate” for Iran to attend for “their own life and safety.”
However, his latest comments align with Infantino’s speech at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver today, where the FIFA chief insisted that the tournament should help unite the world despite ongoing regional tensions.
Iran have been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. “Team Melli” will play all three group-stage matches on the US West Coast, with two fixtures in Los Angeles before their final group match in Seattle.