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Iran Could Play in 2026 World Cup in the US, FIFA Chief Gianni Infantino Says After Talks With Donald Trump
FIFA has expressed confidence that Iran’s national football team will be able to travel to the United States to compete in the 2026 World Cup, even as political tensions continue between the two countries.
FIFA has expressed confidence that Iran’s national football team will be able to travel to the United States to compete in the 2026 World Cup, even as political tensions continue between the two countries.
According to Gianni Infantino, he recently held discussions with former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. During the meeting, Infantino said he received assurances that Iran’s team would be welcomed to participate in the tournament.
“We also spoke about the current situation in Iran and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the World Cup,” Infantino said. “President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.”
World Cup Preparations Continue Despite Global Tensions
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Iran is currently scheduled to play its group-stage matches in several American cities.
The team is set to face New Zealand in Inglewood, California on June 15, followed by a match against Belgium on June 21. Their final group-stage game is planned for June 26 in Seattle against Egypt.
However, recent geopolitical tensions and the ongoing conflict involving Iran have raised questions about whether the team would be able to travel to the United States.
Despite these concerns, FIFA leaders say preparations for the global tournament are moving forward as planned.
FIFA Monitoring Situation Closely
FIFA’s World Cup Chief Operating Officer, Heimo Schirgi, acknowledged the uncertainty but emphasized that the governing body is monitoring the situation carefully.
“We basically take it day by day and at some stage we will have a resolution,” Schirgi said. “The World Cup will go on obviously. The tournament is too big, and we hope that every qualified team will be able to participate.”
Football as a Platform for Unity
Infantino also highlighted the importance of global sporting events during times of political tension. According to him, tournaments like the World Cup have the power to bring people together despite international disagreements.
“We all need an event like the World Cup to unite people now more than ever,” Infantino said, thanking Trump for his support in ensuring the tournament remains open to all qualified teams.
The 2026 edition of the World Cup is expected to be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams and matches across multiple host cities in North America.
For fans around the world, FIFA hopes the tournament will serve as a reminder that football can connect nations even during difficult times.
