Iran World Cup participation has been confirmed by United States President Donald Trump, who assured FIFA that the country is welcome to compete in this summer’s tournament despite ongoing regional tensions. Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The tournament, hosted by the United States alongside Canada and Mexico, runs from June 11 to July 19.
Iranian officials had raised concerns over whether the team could safely attend due to the ongoing conflict in the region. President Trump last week downplayed the issue, saying, “I really do not care” if Iran participates.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed meeting Trump to review preparations for the World Cup. He said that during their discussion, Trump made it clear that the Iranian team is welcome to compete. “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 wrote on Instagram. “During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.”
Infantino and Trump have a long-standing relationship. Trump received FIFA’s inaugural peace prize, an award widely interpreted as linked to him. The issue is sensitive because under Trump’s previous administration, Iranian fans were blocked from entering the United States under the initial travel ban.
Infantino emphasized that events like the World Cup can unite people and thanked Trump for ensuring that all qualified teams, including Iran, can participate.
FIFA’s chief operating officer, Heimo Schirgi, said the tournament is too large to be postponed because of global tensions involving the United States and Israel against Iran. He added that FIFA is monitoring the situation daily and will resolve issues as they arise. “The World Cup will go on. The tournament is too big, and we hope that everyone who qualified can participate,” Schirgi said.
Should the United States prevent Iran from competing, it could face the loss of hosting rights. FIFA rules prioritize the participation of all teams that earn qualification, highlighting the global importance of the World Cup.
