US president Donald Trump backs Iran’s 2026 FIFA World Cup entry in USA after FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s confirmation
Donald Trump has given his approval for Iran to participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, after football governing body president Gianni Infantino confirmed that the nation will play its Group G matches in the United States.
Iran, who currently involved in geopolitical tensions with the United States and Israel over concerns surrounding nuclear weapons development, had secured qualification for the June 11–July 19 tournament in March of last year. Their place was confirmed after a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan in the third round of AFC qualification. However, their participation has not been without complications, as Tehran had requested alternative venues for matches scheduled on U.S. soil.
Trump, however, stated that he was “okay” with Iran’s inclusion in the tournament, deferring to Infantino’s stance on the matter. “Well, if Gianni said it, I’m okay. Did Gianni say it?… You know what? Let them play. Well, Gianni’s fantastic, he’s a friend of mine. He talked about it,” Trump said on Thursday, as quoted by Reuters.
This statement follows Infantino’s firm assertion that Iran will indeed play their Group G fixtures in the United States as originally planned. His comments came during the FIFA Congress, which notably opened without Iran’s delegation, an absence that highlighted the political tensions and logistical challenges surrounding the tournament.
“Let me start at the outset. Of course, Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026. And of course Iran will play in the United States of America,” Infantino said. “And the reason for that is very simple: we have to unite. It is my responsibility, our responsibility.”
Officials from the Iranian football federation, including president Mehdi Taj, were expected to attend the Congress. However, they reportedly had to turn back at Toronto airport after what Tehran described as “unacceptable behaviour” by Canadian immigration authorities, despite travelling with valid visas. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, further underscored the practical and political hurdles linked to Iran’s participation in what has become one of the most sensitive issues on FIFA’s agenda, especially amid ongoing tensions involving the U.S. and Israel since February.
Iran are scheduled to begin their campaign on June 16 against New Zealand at the SoFi Stadium in California. They will then face Belgium at the same venue on June 22, before concluding their group-stage matches against Egypt in Seattle on June 27.
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