FIFA President Gianni Infantino has revealed the stance of United States (U.S) President Donald Trump on Iran’s participation in the World Cup as global tensions continue to simmer.
Following a meeting at the White House, Infantino confirmed that Trump has given the “green light” for the Iranian national team to compete on U.S. soil.
Despite the escalating military conflict and diplomatic friction between Washington and Tehran, the FIFA chief took to social media to reassure fans that the tournament’s integrity remains a priority.
According to a statement posted by FIFA President Infantino, Trump reiterated during their discussions that the Iranian team is “of course, welcome to compete” in the United States.
This assurance on Iran’s participation in the World Cup comes just 93 days before the tournament is set to kick off on June 11, 2026.
While the event is spread out across three countries, Iran is scheduled to play all three group games in the United States, two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
“During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” Infantino wrote.
While the Iranian athletes have been granted entry, questions remain regarding Iranian fans.
Also, the comments marked the first time Infantino, who awarded Trump the inaugural FIFA peace prize in December, has acknowledged the ongoing war in the Middle East.
The comments also come after Iran’s federation football chief, Mehdi Taj on Tuesday cast doubt on his team’s participation in the 2026 World Cup following the defection of several women footballers from the Islamic Republic during the Asian Cup in Australia.
“If the World Cup is like this, who in their right mind would send their national team to a place like this?” Mehdi Taj asked on Iranian state television.
Recall that on Tuesday, at the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, players from Iran’s team claimed asylum.
Five players, including captain Zahra Ghanbari, slipped away from the team hotel under the cover of darkness to claim sanctuary from Australian officials, the Australian government announced.
At least two more team members applied to stay later in the day, according to local media.
Recall also that the conflict in the Middle East has escalated into a war after a joint military operation was launched by the U.S and Israel against Iran on February 28, 2026.
Codenamed “Operation Epic Fury” by the U.S., the conflict began with a wave of nearly 900 airstrikes within the first 12 hours.
The strikes targeted and killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, at his compound in Tehran. Dozens of other high-ranking officials were also killed in the initial strikes.
After the death of his father, Mojtaba Khamenei became Iran’s new Supreme Leader.
