FIFA Chief: Trump Confirms Iran Welcome at US-Hosted World Cup Despite War

FIFA President Gianni Infantino says President Trump assured him that Iran's national soccer team can compete in the 2026 World Cup in the United States despite ongoing conflict between the nations. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19 across the US, Canada, and Mexico.

FIFA announced Tuesday evening that Iran’s national soccer team is expected to receive permission to enter the United States for World Cup competition, despite current military tensions between the two nations.

The Iranian squad has matches scheduled in Inglewood, California against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, followed by a group stage finale against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The tournament spans from June 11 through July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Recent statements from Iranian leadership had cast uncertainty over whether the team would participate due to the ongoing conflict.

FIFA’s leader Gianni Infantino revealed he held discussions with President Donald Trump Tuesday evening regarding tournament preparations and received confirmation that Iran would be granted entry to the US.

“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 stated. “During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.”

The FIFA president maintains strong ties with Trump, who received FIFA’s first-ever peace award, which critics suggest was designed specifically for the former president.

Iranian supporters were previously prohibited from US entry under the initial travel restrictions implemented by the Trump administration.

“We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever,” Infantino remarked, expressing gratitude to Trump “for his support.”

FIFA’s World Cup chief operating officer stated earlier this week that the competition is “too big” for postponement due to international instability stemming from the US and Israeli conflict with Iran.

Heimo Schirgi, the CEO, explained that FIFA maintains constant surveillance of the Iranian situation.

“We basically take it day by day and at some stage we will have a resolution,” Schirgi commented. “And the World Cup will go on obviously, right? The World Cup is too big and we hope that everyone can participate that has qualified.”