Trump assures Iran ‘welcome’ at 2026 FIFA World Cup amid regional crisis: Gianni Infantino

Amid rising tensions due to the ongoing conflict involving the United States-Israel and Iran, questions have emerged over Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday that he met U.S. President Donald Trump, who assured him that Iran would be “welcome” to compete in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.

Iran are scheduled to play three matches in the United States during the tournament, though their participation has been questioned amid rising regional tensions.

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The Iranian side, placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, will open their campaign against New Zealand on June 15 in Seattle before playing additional group matches in Los Angeles and Atlanta.

In an Instagram post, Infantino said he discussed preparations for the upcoming World Cup with Trump and also addressed the current situation involving Iran.

“I met with the president of the United States, Donald J. Trump, to discuss the status of preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the growing excitement as we are set to kick off in just 93 days,” Infantino wrote.

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

Iran secured qualification for their fourth consecutive World Cup after topping Group A in the third round of Asian qualifiers last year.

However, concerns around their participation have grown following escalating tensions in the region. In an interview with Politico last week, Trump said, “I really don’t care if Iran participates,” adding that “Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes.”

Meanwhile, Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation, reportedly said the ongoing situation has cast uncertainty over the team’s preparations.

“What is certain is that after these attacks, it’s hard to look at the World Cup with hope,” Taj said.