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United States President Donald Trump has said that Iran will still be welcome to participate in this summer’s FIFA World Cup, even as tensions and military conflict continue between the United States and Iran. The comments were revealed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino after the two leaders held discussions about preparations for the upcoming tournament.
Infantino shared details of the meeting on Instagram, explaining that he met with Trump on Tuesday to discuss the organization of the World Cup. The tournament will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico and is scheduled to begin on 11 June. It will be the first time the competition is hosted by three countries.
According to Infantino, the conversation also touched on the current situation involving Iran. The country’s participation in the tournament has been uncertain following the outbreak of military action earlier this month. Strikes launched by the United States and Israel targeted Iran and resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran launched missiles and drones toward Israel and several Gulf Arab nations that host American military bases. These countries include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Despite the conflict, Infantino said Trump made it clear that the Iranian national team would still be allowed to compete in the United States during the World Cup.
“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 in his post.
Infantino emphasized that global sporting events like the World Cup have the power to unite people during difficult times. He expressed appreciation for Trump’s position, saying that the tournament can serve as a moment for the world to come together.
“We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever,” Infantino said. “I sincerely thank the president of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that football unites the world.”
Iran’s national team is scheduled to play three matches in the United States during the group stage of the competition. Their first match is set for 15 June in Los Angeles against New Zealand. They will then face Belgium in the same city on 21 June. Their final group stage match is scheduled for 26 June in Seattle against Egypt.
However, officials within Iran have expressed concern about the situation. Iran football federation president Mehdi Taj has suggested that the ongoing attacks have made it difficult for many people in the country to look forward to the tournament.
“What is certain is that after these attacks, it is hard to look at the World Cup with hope,” Taj said in comments reported by local media.
Developments outside the men’s tournament have also highlighted the broader uncertainty surrounding Iranian football. Australia recently granted humanitarian visas to several members of Iran’s women’s national team due to concerns about their safety. Six players initially received the visas, and Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke later confirmed that seven people had been granted asylum. One of the women later decided to return home voluntarily.
Meanwhile, the remaining members of the Iranian women’s team departed Australia on Tuesday after their elimination from the AFC Asian Cup.
With the World Cup only three months away, questions remain about how the ongoing conflict will affect Iran’s participation and preparations. Still, FIFA officials continue to
stress that the tournament should remain a global sporting event focused on unity and competition rather than politics.
