US President Donald Trump has confirmed that Iran is welcome to participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America, even amid the ongoing war in the Middle East. The announcement was shared by Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, who met with Trump to discuss preparations for the tournament.
Infantino posted on Instagram that their discussion included the current situation in Iran. He wrote that Trump emphasized that the Iranian national football team would be allowed to compete in the World Cup, which will be partly held in the United States.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Trump’s statement signals a willingness to separate politics from sports, ensuring that teams can participate regardless of tensions in their home countries.
Iran’s participation has been uncertain due to the conflict in the region, which has affected international relations. Sports analysts say that allowing Iran to compete could promote dialogue and maintain the World Cup’s spirit of global unity.
FIFA and host countries are also taking extra steps to ensure safety and fair play during the tournament. Trump’s comments may reassure both the Iranian team and their supporters that politics will not stop their involvement in one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
The World Cup is expected to attract millions of fans from around the world, and organizers aim to make it a safe and inclusive event for all qualified teams.
